
i . 



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( M 









HISTORY 



OF THE 



TOWN OF CHESHIRE, 



BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASS. 



BY *^ 

MRS. ELLEN M. RAYNOR 

AND 

MRS. EMMA L. PETITCLERC. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER 

BY 
JUDGE JAMES M. BARKER. 



tV 



A U G ^_ , / 



CLARK W. BRYAN & COMPANY, Printers, 

HoLYOKE, Mass. and- New York City. 

IBS';. 



rf^fr 



Copyrighted, 1885, 

MRS. ELLEN M. RAYNOR and MRS. EMMA L. PETITCLERC, 

Cheshire, Mass. 



TO THE 

Present Selectmen of Cheshire 

GEORGE Z. DEAN 
HENRY F. WOOD 
FRANK REYNOLDS 

and their successors 

This Book is Respectfully Dedicated 
By the Authors 



PREFACE. 

In offering to the public this simple history of a picturesque Berkshire 
town, the authors believe the occasion appropriate for an explanation of 
the circumstances that led to the undertaking. 

From our earliest recollections, the study of the history, and the progress 
of the town, has afforded us a greater degree of pleasure than we have de- 
rived from but few other sources. The memories of childhood recall the 
delightful emotions we experienced when sitting in the chimney corner we 
listened to the thrilling tales of the early settlers as told by their immediate 
descendants., and a passion for a knowledge of the beginning, rise and prog- 
ress of the little colony has marked the years in their passage. 

In the delicious days of childhood every feature of the surrounding land- 
scape was as familiar as household words. In the bright June days we 
wandered through the glens, from the hollows we plucked the violets, from 
the knolls the delicate blood root blossoms, and in autumn climbed the 
wooded hills for nuts. We knew the green islands in the river, the beds of 
white sand, the village streets and lanes, the yellowish spire of the ancient 
church where we went with our parents to worship God. Every house — 
every person — we knew them all in those olden days. 

Since then, the graveyards have grown larger. It is there that we find 
the town of our childhood rather than in the village homes, or treading 
the village streets, and as a labor of love we commenced to gather the ma- 
terials and trace the history from the log cabins of the settlers, and the 
stormy days of the long war to the present time. 

We have noted the character, progress and final success of those brave 
men and women who came from the colony of Eoger Williams to win by 
their labor a wilderness into smiles. 

The task was not begun, nor the collection made with a view to immedi- 
ate publication, but at the instigation of the Berkshire Historical Society, 
which had as an ultimate object the publishing of the histories of towns 
throughout the county. 



PREFACE. 

The letter of Professor Perry, its president, given in full, explains the 
relation sustained toward the Society. 

An increasing interest, the natural and incidental result of researches 
made, induced finally, the plan we have followed. Nearly every spot of 
note has been visited, every tale and tradition investigated, while facts have 
been carefully gathered for the purpose of forming an intelligent judgment 
and correct conclusions concerning the events of times past, and of the 
people who figured in those shadowy days. Possibly, more anecdotes are 
related than fall, usually, to the pages of history ; but we tell them as they 
have come down — told by neighbor to neighbor, by father to son, by winter 
fires, when the mug of cider and the basket of rosy apples passed merrily 
around, and repeated here because through them one may better read the 
characters of those who left their impress on the town. Although not free 
from errors and imperfections, this book will be found to contain a faith- 
ful narrative of events that have transpired, and is, we fully believe, deserv- 
ing the attention of those who have a local pride, as well as of the younger 
people to whom the stories of our pioneer ancestors are almost lost in the 
hazy distance. 

To all, we send forth our little volume with a wish and a prayer that it 
may find interested readers and meet with favor in the pleasant homes of 
our town. 



CONTENTS BY CHAPTERS. 



Introductouy Chapter, , ...... 9 

I_From 1767 TO 1777, ..... 22 

II— From 1777 to 1787, . . . . . .41 

III— From 1787 to 1797, ..... 63 

IV— From 1797 TO 1807, . . . . . .83- 

V— From 1807 to 1817, ..... 95 

VI— From 1817 to 1827, . . . . . .112 

VII— From 1827 TO 1837, ..... 126 

VIII— From 1837 to 1847, . . . . . .134 

IX— From 1847 to 1857, . . . . . 146 

X— From 1857 to 1867, . ... . . .155 

XI— From 1867 to 1884, ..... 169 

XII — Sketch op Rev. John Leland, .... 181 

Appendix, ....... 193 

Index, ........ 215 



Williams College, Oct. 22. 1884. 

Mrs. E. C. Raynor and Mrs. E. L. Petitclerc : 

Mesdam.es. — You can suy in your preface that the work wus undertaken 
at the instance of the Berkshire Historical Society, that such parts of it 
as they shall choose to use will become a part of their History of the 
County under your names, and that the Society is very glad to have it pub- 
lished in fuller form preliminarily, so as possibly to draw in corrections 
and fuller information in reference to its ultimate publication under their 
auspices. I am ready as an individual, and as a president of the B. H. S., 
to testify to the care and zeal with which its facts have been gathered, and 
these facts clothed in accurate and elegant language. 

Very kindly yours, 

A. L. Perry, 



NOTE OF THANKS. 

To Mr. J. G. Northup, Town Clerk of Cheshire, we are under great 
obligations for assistance given in placing at our disposal books containing 
valuable knowledge, and in unearthing papers long since supposed lost, or 
forgotten entirely. 

To Professor A. L. Perry we are indebted for positive facts concerning 
the battle of Bennington. 

To Joab Stafford of Canajoharie, N. Y., for statements of the gallant 
colonel for whom he was named. 

To the town of Cheshire for the gift of $100 (one hundred dollars), and 
to all the following persons we owe our thanks for varied information : 
Mr. Edmond D. Foster, Mr. Henry C. Bowen and family, Dr. L. J. Cole, Mr. 
John B. Wells, Mr. Daniel Brown, Mr. Stewart White, Mr. Darius Mason, 
Mr. R. M. Cole, Mr. -Owen Turtle, Mr. James Shea, Mrs. L, J. Cole, Mrs. 
Rebecca Dow, D. J. Northup, Mrs. Anna Richardson, Mrs. Warner Farnum, 
Mrs. Charles Bowen, Mrs, John Bucklin, Mrs. Julius Harmon (daughter of 
Squire Barker.) 



INTKODUCTORY CHAPTER 

BY 

Judge James Barker. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT OF CHESHIRE. 



CAUSES LEADING TO THE INCORPORATION OF A TOWN. FIRST SALES OF 
LAND. NICHOLAS COOK AND JOSEPH BENNET. NEW PROVIDENCE. 
CAPT. JOAB STAFFORD. THE NOTCH BURYING GROUND. JOHN WELLS. 
SCENERY. LAND GIVEN FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE GOSPEL. CAPT, SAMUEL 

- LOW HOLDS SLAVES. EPITAPH OF ELDER PETER WERDEN. 

The town of Chesliire was incorporated on the 14tli of March, 1793. 
The title of the Act indicated that its territory was made np of parts of the 
towns of Lanesborough, Windsor, Adams and of the District of New Ash- 
ford, the inhabitants of New Ashford not having been incorjDorated as a 
town nntil May 1st, 1836. 

On the 6th of February, 1798, so much of the farm of Jacob Cole, of 
New AshfOrd, as lay in that district was, " together with the said Jacob and 
his personal estate, set off from the said district, and annexed to the town 
of Cheshire, there to do duty and receive privileges." This annexation 
added three more to the twenty corners made by its boundary lines, and 
established its pre-eminence in this respect over all the towns in the Com- 
monwealth on a so much firmer footing. Whether this predilection for 
corners came from the same cause which has made the population, and 
business and social life of the place desert its once thickly settled hill-tops, 
and congregate in that locality of the town known as Cheshire Corners, 
is a question which may at some future day ))e settled l)y the scientific 
branch of our Association. But it is reasonably certain that the bounds 
given in the Act of Incorporation, were not the result of an attempt to 
follow ])hysical boundaries, but to bring into a community people of like 
tastes and religious feelings as far as possible. The attomjit seems to have 
been remarkably successful, and tlie people of Cheshire to have been so 
remarkably unanimous even in political sentiment as to make current the 



10 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

familiar tradition tliat wlien the first lone opposition ballot was put in the 
box by a citizen opposed in politics to all his neighbors, it was thrown out 
by the selectmen as having evidently been cast by mistake. It is among 
the earlier settlers of this territory that we must look for the leaven which 
was powerful enough to work throughout a township, creating the town in 
the first instance, and continuing its power until substantially all its citi- 
zens seem to have been united in sentiment, and vigorous and earnest in 
its expression. 

These earlier settlers came more largely than the settlers of any other 
considerable portion of Berkshire from the Colony of Eliode Island and 
Providence Plantations. They were descendants, some of them of the very 
men who were the first to follow Roger Williams to Rhode Island, and gen- 
erally they were men who had inherited and imbibed the spirit of her free 
institutions, and were educated in the religious beliefs prevalent in that 
colony rather than in the orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Colony. 

The present paper will not be able to give the story of their emigration 
from Rhode Island, and their settlement in Berkshire in any connected form, 
or with a claim to that accuracy which ought to be attained in the documents 
prepared for an histoj'ical society. At most it will only gather the names 
and some facts in the lives of these early settlers, and call your attention to 
a village once fiourishing and beautiful, but which has now utterly dis- 
appeared. A Berkshire hill-top once crowned with a church, and hillsides 
once dotted with farm houses and tenanted by a vigorous, an intelligent 
and a thriving population, but from which the buildings have disappeared, 
and whose only tenants now are the inmates of those narrow homes on which 
no signs of "To Let" or "For Sale" are exhibited, and in another por- 
tion of Cheshire we find later, but still early settlers who followed the first 
from Rhode Island, and took ujp their abode in that part of the town which 
is included in or is near to the present village of Cheshire, and was then 
within the limits of Lanesborough. 

The story of the men who made the New Providence Purchase, and in 

1767 removed their families and goods from Rhode Island to the sj)lendid 

eminence Avhich they christened New Providence Hill in affectionate 

remembrance of the hill in Providence, and there essayed to found and did 

found a new community, is worthy to be told. We will try to name some 

of the actors in it, and to open the field for further research. 

* * * * * * * 

The portion of Cheshire to which we have already referred by its more 
ancient name of the New Providence Purchase and the crown of which 
was named by its early settlers New Providence Hill is now known as 
Stafford's Hdl, a name derived from the Col. Joab Stafford who was one of 



INTRODIK.TOKY CHAPTER. 11 

the prime movers in the emigration from Rhode Island to Berkshire, and 
one of the most prominent men in the settlement which they established. 
It appears certain that the territory embraced in the purchase was sold by 
the })rovince in 17G3 and was originally included m the township known as 
No. (), the larger portion of which is now in the town of Savoy. An exam- 
ination of the Province records in the office of the Secretary of tlie Common- 
Avealth at Boston, discloses a full statement of the action of the General 
A-ssembly and Council in ordering and making the sale of several townships 
of province land in the western part of the province in 170'^, most of them 
in Berkshire which sale included those parts of Cheshire which were formed 
from Windsor and Adams. That part which was formerly Lanesborough 
had been sold at an earlier date, and was then kiujwn as New Pramingham. 
The records of these sales which included the old town of Adams then 
known as East Iloosuck, and the territory now included in Hinsdale, Peru, 
Windsor, Savoy and other towns may be found in the archives of the His- 
torical Societ}', Pittsfield. 

Of the townships there sold parts of two are within the limits of the 
present town of Cheshire, namely the northwestern portion of No. 4 
and the west end of No. 6. Of these No. 4 seems to have been earliest 
settled. From deeds appearing on record it is evident that it liad proprie- 
tors among whom there had been a division of common lands hotove the 
sale l)y order of the General Court in 1762. 

There on the twelfth of June, 17G2, James Burchard of a place called 
No. 4, in Berkshire County, conveys to his grandson, Matthew Wolf Jr., 
son of Matthew Wolf of the same town, house lot No. 66, on the southerly 
side of the same township butted and bounded according to the original 
survey as by the proprietors' book of records may appear, and as early as 
1764, they were enjoying the luxury of selling lands for taxes in No. 4. 

This township seems to have been as rich in names as Cheshire has been 
in corners, since it has borne successively the following in addition to 
No. 4; Dewey's Town, Bigot's Town, Williamsburg, Gageborough and 
Windsor. 

The Noah Nash to whom it was sold in 1762 was a resident of Hatfield, 
and he continues to make deeds of lands in the township to 1784. Among 
these a^re deeds to David Parsons and many other names given in Barker's 
early history, page 24. 

An examination of the latest county map shows that the New Providence 
Hill was directly north of the part of Windsor which was incorporated in 
the new town of Cheshire, and almost adjoining it the meeting of the five 
roads at the school house, one of which leads over the hill to Adams, and 
is on the line between No. G, and No. 4. 



12 HISTOEY OF CHESHIRE. 

In the vicinity of this portion of Windsor to the hill we find the moving 
force which brought it into the new town. Here too, lies one of the old 
burying grounds, to be noted further on, opposite the residence of W. P. 
Bennet. 

It is not so easy to trace the history of the township known as No. 6. 
The present town of Savoy comprises the greater portion of the territory 
which was included within its bounds, as given in the order of sale of Feb. 
17, 1762, and merely states that it was originally No. 6. 

The Rev. David D. Field, in his history of Berkshire county, published 
in 1829, gave Bullock's grant as the foundation of the town, some other 
lands being incorporated with it. He states that Col. William Bullock of 
Rehoboth, as ageut for the heirs of Capt. Samuel Gallop, received from the 
General Court of 1770 and 1771, a township of six miles square, in consid- 
eration of their services and sufferings in an expedition into Canada about 
the year 1690, in what was called King William's war. the township to be 
located in any unappropriated land belonging to Massachusetts, and, that 
Col. Bullock located the grant to the southeast and north of Bernardston 
grant comprising the western and greater part of Florida, and which had 
been previously located. Recalling the bounds of No. 6, as given in the 
General Court's order of sale, the report of the committee, and the plan, it 
is certain that most, if not all, of this territory is included in No. 6, and 
also that the part of Cheshire which comprises the New Providence Pur- 
chase, or Stafford's Hill is m the same township of No. 6. This township 
was sold June 3d, 1762, by the committee to Abel Lawrence for £1,350, 
and his bond taken, with Charles Prescott, Esq., surety, for £1,330 of the 
purchase money. 

Who this Abel Lawrence was does not appear, nor has the writer been 
able to ascertain in what manner the title conferred upon him by this sale 
was divested. 

There is no deed of record from him in the Pittstield Registry, and the 
whole township seems to have been traded after the sale, and a part of it 
within the term of five years, during which he was allowed to settle it ac- 
cording to the vote, as unappropriated land of the Province. 

This break in the chain of title has been very provoking in the search for 
a record of the history of a settlement of Stafford's Hill, causing it at one 
time to be given up in despair. But information gained by sitting down 
to examine page by page, in course, the early volumes of records in the 
Registry of Deeds, enables us to give a probable account or theory. 

For some unknown reason Abel Lawrence surrendered to the Province 
his right to the township soon after his purchase. The town of Hatfield, 
portions of whose lands had been included in the new townships Nos. 5 and 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 13 

7, which were sold by the same committee in June 1762, made claim for 
compensations for the hind thus taken, and the General Court in the same 
year seems to have awarded to them an equivalent located in part, at least, 
on the west end of the townshi]) which had been sold as No. 6 to Abel 
Lawrence. This land the town of Hatfield placed in the market and we 
find a, conveyance of it made in 1765 by Israel and William Williams of 
Hatfield, and Israel Stoddard of Pittsfield. This tract was of 1,176 acres in 
one rectangular parcel, 432 rods east and west, by 435 rods and 14 links 
north and south and bounded southerly by the line of New Framingham, 
afterward Lanesborough. 

Another and larger parcel of No. 6, seems, — upon evidence similarly 
found — to have been granted to Aaron Willard, Jr. Esq., and his associates 
purchasers of the new township No. 3, now Worthington, as an equivalent for 
a deficiency of land taken off from No. 3, and in 1766, we find "John Worth- 
ington and Josiah D wight both of Springfield, Timothy DAvight of North- 
ampton, Salah Barnard of Deerfield, and Aaron Willard Jr., of Lancaster 
in tlie County of Worcester, Esq's.,'' conveying three thousand seven hun- 
dred and forty acres and fourteen perch of land lying north of, and adjoin- 
ing to Lanesborough, incorporated from New Framingham in 1765, and 
encircling on three sides the former parcel granted to Hatfield. These two 
parcels undoubtedly cover all that part of the original No. 6 which is now 
within the limits of Cheshire, and together they constitute the New Provi- 
dence Purchase, and it was on them that the definite settlement to which 
Cheshire is traceable was made. The deeds run to "Nicholas Cook of 
Providence, in the County of Providence in the Colony of Rhode Island, 
Esq., and to Joseph Bennet, in Coventry, in the County of Kent in the 
Colony of Rhode Island, Esq.," making them equal tenants in common 
of both trades. The copies of these deeds are on page 31 of Barker's 
History. 

This Nicholas Cook of Providence and Joseph Bennet of Coventry are 
the prime movers in the settlement of Cheshire, and of the early emigra- 
tion from Rhode Island to Berkshire. Prior to their purchase there is 
mention in the Registry of Deeds only of one conveyance to an inhabitant of 
Rhode Island so described, of lands in the county. On the 28th of June, 
1763, one Moses Warren of Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Clothier, buys of 
Joseph Warren of Tyringham, lot No. 137, in Tyringhain, 70 acres ''where- 
of," says Joseph Warren, "I was the original proprietor." Whether 
Josei)h Warren also came from Rhode Island and afterwards induced a 
brother to follow liiin does not appear; but with this exception the first ten 
books in the Registry of Deeds disclose only purchasers in New Providence, 
Gageborough, Lanesborough and East Hoosuck by residents of Rhode 



14 HISTORY OF CHESHIEE. 

Island, save only that the Eev, Samne] Hopkins, who removed from Great 
Barringtou to Newport in 17?0, on the 27th of March, 1772, conveys lands 
in Great Barrington to his son David, who is also described as of Newport, 
Rhode Ishmd. Of the two original proprietors of the New Providence 
purchase Nicholas Cook, the more prominent, seems to have been engaged 
in it merely as a sj^ecularion. He remained in Rhode Island. He was a 
member of the Court of Assistants of that Colony from 1752 to 1761, and 
Deputy Governor in 1768 and 1709. Joseph Bennet seems to have been 
admitted a freeman of the Rhode Island Colony from Coventry, in May, 
1758. A Mr. Joseph Bennett of Newjiort, possilfly an ancestor, was made 
High Sheriff on the 1st of May, 1700. The only, other mention of Joseph, 
of Coventry, is under date of 23d of February, 1761, when he was made 
one of a committee, consisting of Nichohis Cook, Esq., Messrs. John 
Brown, Knight Dexter, Joseph Bennet, Joseph Bucklin and George Jack- 
son, to apply to paving the streets of Providence, a lottery of three classes 
for raising the sum of £6,000 granted by the General Assembly upon the 
petition of the citizens of Providence. We might speculate whether Nich- 
olas Cook, Esq., the chairman of this committee, found Mr. Joseph Ben- 
net, his colleague, so efficient in the management of the lottery, or the 
work of paving that he selected him as his partner in the subsequent oper- 
ation in wild lands, and, also, whether both of them realized, out of the 
lottery or the contracts for paving, the money which they paid for their 
Berkshire purchase. But in whatever way they became acquainted they 
were able to induce their neighbors to share in their enterprise and to re- 
move with Bennett to the new country or to follow him. Captain, after- 
ward Colonel Joab Staiford was employed by them to lay out and map their 
purchase, and the map which was filed in the Registry of Deeds, shows that 
the gallant ca]itain was a master of the pen and rule as well as of the sword. 
This map was found by the process of examination above referred to, look- 
ing through the book page by page, after all hope of seeing it had been lost. 
Captain Stafford, a townsman in Coventry, of Joseph Bennet himself, made 
the first purchase of lands from Cook and Bennet, on the 5th of November. 
1766, 396 acres in 3 lots, and on the next day Cook and Bennet, by a deed 
acknowledged in Providence and witnessed by Joab Stafford and Silas 
Downer, made partition between themselves of their remaining lands. It 
is surmised that Nicholas Cook, Esq., was a lawyer and drafted his own 
deeds, and if so he was a good one, for this indenture of partition is a 
model, delighting a lawyer's heart. 

This partition having been made, sales were made to others, and the set- 
tlement advanced. The earliest to remove from Rhode Island seem to have 
settled on the New Providence Hill as it was called, and to have belonged 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 15 

to tlio Baptist denomination. Following them came other inhabitants of 
Rhode Island, many of them settling farther to the north in what was then 
East Hoosuck, or No. 1, now Adams, and of these very many were 
Quakers. To this difference in religion is prohaMy due the fact that the 
New Providence settlement was not incorporated with East Hoosuck into 
the town of Adams in 1778, in which contingency probably there would 
have been no Cheshire; for, according to the Rev. John W. Yeomans in 
Field's History of Berkshire, it was the wish of the New Providence settlers 
to be incorporated with Adams, and during 1778 the inhabitants of East 
Hoosuck were twice called on to vote on the question of extending the char- 
ter so as to embrace New Providence, but each time rejected the proposi- 
tion. New Providence Purchase must, howevei'^ have been subsequently 
annexed (by an Act of which we fail to find mention,) to the town of 
Adams. For, for some years prior to 1793, we find the people residing 
upon it, dating their letters from Adams, and the church established on the 
hill calling itself the Baptist Church in Adams. The present south line of 
Adams is evidently the old south line of East Hoosuck, so that it seems 
reasonably certain that the part of Adams which at the incorporation of 
Cheshire in 1793 went into the new town, was just the New Providence 
Purchase, and that it had been annexed to Adams after the incorporation 
of that town. The list given in appendix shows the conveyance recorded in 
the first ten books of the Pittsfield Registry of Deeds running to persons 
named as residents of Rhode Island. It included all the surnames given 
by Dr. Field in his history of early and prominent settlers of Cheshire and 
many more, and there is reason to suppose that most of the persons named 
in it became residents on the land conveyed to them. 

To return to the first settlers — we find that Capt. Joab Stafford attended 
the general assembly at Newport in May, 1762, as a deputy from Coventry. 
In 1778 we find him empowered as Colonel Joab Stafford, to issue his 
warrant to some jsrincipal inhabitant to the newly incorporated town of 
Adams, requiring him to warn the inhabitants thereof to assemble for their 
first Town Meeting, and on the 21st of August 1801, we find him describ- 
ing himself as Joab Stafford of Cheshire, Gentleman, quit-claming to Allen 
Briggs of Adams, Gentleman, Daniel Reid, Yeoman, and Timothy Mason, 
Gentleman, both of Cheshire, for $400 all the remnant of his land in the 
New Providence Purchase, including 14 acres, "on which an execution was 
sometime since extended in favor of Ruloff White against me." Doubt- 
less the court records would disclose the cause of action ; but it is better 
not to peer too curiously into the gallant Colonel's embarrassments. 

One of the witnesses to the deed is Richard Stafford, perhaps his son, 
and it is acknowledged before Ezra Barker, as a justice, a son of one of his 



16 HISTORY OF CHESHIKE. 

Rhode Island compatriots. Richard Stafford seems to have married Susan- 
nah, daughter of Elisha Brown, another of the Rhode Ishind people, and 
in 1823 they were living at Canajoharie, N. Y. 

Tradition preserves a pleasant account of his introduction of Mrs. Staf- 
ford to her new home on the summit of 'New Providence Hill. While he 
was mapping out the purchase, and erecting a house on the Lots, to which 
he took title, his wife remained in Rhode Island. When the new building 
was ready for occupancy he returned for his family. As they journeyed on 
the good woman wished to know, and sought for an exact description of 
the new house she was to occupy and of its surroundings. But the Captain 
did not see fit to gratify her curiosity, and as they approached their desti- 
nation, sought her opinion of the different dwellings, and locations which 
they found upon the way. At last Mrs. Stafford found one which delighted 
her exceedingly, and after the Captain had stopped to allow her to examine 
and admire it she exclaimed, " Oh ! if I could only live there I would be 
perfectly satisfied." Whereupon the Captain turned into the inclosure and 
informed her that they were at home. 

It was from this home — whence he could see the summits of the Gray- 
lock range apparently on a level with him at the west, and the valley of 
the Hoosuck nestling beneath them at the north, with glimpses of the vales 
at the south where rises the Housatonic — that Colonel Stafford went with 
the Berkshire men to the Ijattle of Bennington, where he fought and was 
wounded. Let us hope that it was from this home that in the golden 
autumn days of 1801, three months after he had parted with his last acre 
of land — his neighbors and the old pastor, whom he had helped to bring 
from Rhode Island, at their head,, carried the departed Colonel down the 
southern slope of the hill to the peaceful burying ground where his remains 
now repose. 

At the southernmost foot of the hill, on a gentle eminence, around which 
curves a babbling, crystal-watered brook is one of the ancient burial places 
in Cheshire where sleei)S this man, who according to the inscription on his 
tombstone, (a stone almost bowed to the earth as though it sought to keep 
closer company with the dust of him whom it commemorates, so that he 
who reads it must perforce kneel) : 

" Fought and bled in his country's cause at the battle of Bennington, and descended 
to his tomb with an unsullied reputation." 

In front of him curves a splendid amphitheater of wooded hills, their forest 
covering almost unbroken, extending from Whitford^s rocks on the east, to 
the high pinnacle of quartz which glistens like a jewel in the sun above the 
present village of Cheshire. Behind him rise the slopes of the hill which 
he surveyed and helped to clear and settle, great fields of pasturage from 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 17 

which now ahnost every dwelling has disappeared ; Ijut rarely vexed with 
the plough, and trodden but seldom by any feet save those of lowing kine 
and bleating sheep. 

A great beech tree on the edge of the bank above the brook shades him 
from the morning sun, and so sequestered is the si)ot that at this moment a 
golden-winged wood})ecker has her nest in a decayed portion of the tree, 
her notes the only sound but that of the rippling brook to break the abso- 
lute silence of his long home. A peaceful and an appropriate resting place 
for the patriot and the pioneer ; but one which might well receive some 
care from those who are enjoying the fruit of the labors and sacrifices of 
him and his associates. 

In the lot of the Bennet family in this old graveyard we find many 
Quakers, and the quaint simplicity of the Quaker thought is shown in the 
inscriptions. 

About the John Wells who died the 17th of the seventh month 1813, in 
the (j9th year of his age, and Frances his widow who survived him, living to 
the advanced age of 98, there is this tradition : 

Frances was a sister of Daniel Brown. These Browns were well to do 
people. John Wells had nothing but au honest heart, a clear head, and a 
strong arm with Avhich to make his way. They were married against the 
wishes of her father and family. So distasteful was the match that she 
was refused even the smallest setting out. So with nothing but themselves 
and their love the newly wedded pair, mounted upon one horse and with 
no other worldly goods, made the journey from Rhode Island to New Prov- 
idence. Another sister married Caleb Tibbets, who was accounted well oif 
and who also removed to New Providence, but remained only a short time, 
returning to the older settlements where he could enjoy more of the luxu- 
ries of life. He took back the opinion that probably Mr. and Mrs. Wells 
would get along, as Wells had made a clearing, put up a log house, and had 
one cow. The years passed by; John Wells worked his farm by daylight 
and made shoes by tire light. Frances Wells managed the house and the 
dairy, and earned money as a tailoress. They added farm to farm, and 
accumulated money until, when John died, his estate was one of the most 
considerable in Berkshire county, and with all this, both Frances and him- 
self had gained the respect of all. Meantime, poor Caleb Tibbets had wasted 
his substance, and it was found that the daughter who had ridden portion- 
less away behind her lover had made the better match. 

Leaving this quiet burial place, let us retrace our steps to the old Bennet 
house, one of the few original ones yet remaining, and follow the road lead- 
ing from it to the north along the western side of the hill. We shall not 
pursue it a great distance before we shall cross the line which marks the 



io HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

southern boundary of the New Providence Purchase, the old north line of 
No. 4, or Windsor, and a continuation easterly of the old north line of New 
Framingliam. or Lanesborough, It can be traced on the ground at present 
for miles to the westward until it disappears at the summit of the hill lying 
to the west of Cheshire. On our right rise the grassy slopes of Stafford's 
Hill, a few apple trees on the summit being all that from this point is visi- 
ble to indicate that it has been the site of a village. On the left rises Mount 
Amos, wooded on its northern slope, but clear and smooth on its southern, 
where, among the maple trees, the early settlers used to keep the sugar boil- 
ing while the wolves howled around the fires in the night. Far below, at 
the north, is the Adams valley and, perhaps, a mile in advance of you, if 
your eyes are keen, you can see rows of white stones by the roadside, another 
resting place of these first settlers of New Providence. It occupies a little 
plateau with but a gentle slope toward the west, the road sweeping around it 
down the hill with a dark, solemn spruce tree standing in the background. 

It was here that these Rhode Islanders of the Baptist denomination 
planted their first church and set up the public worship of God. No trace 
rem.-iins upon the spot of the ancient building, nor any mark by which to 
fix its location, but tradition says that it was next to the road and that its 
site is now occujDied by graves. 

The building, however, is now standing on the northern slope of the hill 
to which it was removed, and where, as a two-story red farm house, it still 
does duty in the cause for which it was framed and raised. It has changed 
its uniform, but still does service in sustaining the preaching of the word 
in the New Providence Purchase. 

Before we enter this village of the dead, let us gather something of the 
work which they who rest there did in the foundation and maintenance of 
a church which has been the' thing that, more than anything else, must 
have educated the men and women of Cheshire and moulded the life of the 
town. The New Providence Purchase, not having been constituted as a 
district, or to worship by itself, or included in the limits of any such com- 
munity, was not under the obligation ordinarily imposed, of devoting a por- 
tion of its land to' the support of the ministry, or of maintaining public 
worship. Whatever its inhabitants did in the cause of religion was, there- 
fore, a free gift, and was done because of the moving of the Spirit. As be- 
fore stated, many of the more prominent of the early settlers were Baptists. 
They had no thought of escaping the burden of supporting public worship, 
and the story of the church that they founded is best told by its records. 
These records are in the possession of Mr. Shubael W. Lincoln, whose house, 
in the extreme easternmost part of Cheshire, on the mountain side opposite 
the north slope of the Stafford Hill, looks across to Graylock. * * * Mr. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 19 

Lincoln has gathered together many documents and relics of this early 
church and its members, and many a tradition of its early history. 

Elder Peter Werden continued to be the pastor of this Hock for nearly 40 
years, until his death, on the 21st of February, 1808. He was a remarkal)le 
man ; somewhat unlettered, perhaps, l)ut full of grace and zeal, and actu- 
ated by love of God and man. His epitaph is said to have been composed 
by himself before he left Coventry. The discipline of his church was strict> 
and it cannot be doubted that its work was of the utmost importance to the 
well being of the community. An unbroken service, that spanned a cen- 
tury, was devoted to religious uses by a modest donation, a fact from which 
the charitably inclined may take courage. 

As we have seen, the proprietors of the purchase were not obliged to de- 
vote a part of it to the support of the go.spel ; but Nicholas Cook and 
Joseph Bennet learning that a church had been thus founded at New Provi- 
dence, gave by deed* on the 17th of January 1770, 50 acres of their best land 
on the northern slope of the hill to Joab Stafford, in trust as a ministerial lot 
or glebe land for the support of a preacher of the Anabaptist denomination. 

Upon this land lived Elder Peter Werden, and from it he obtained his 
subsistence. He was succeeded in the ministry by Elder Braman, and he 
by Elder Bross, described as a stirring practical man, under whose adminis- 
tration the old church building was removed to the glebe land, a new 
church having been erected sometime before on the top of the hill where 
was a flourishing and beautiful village — the village of Cheshire. It had be- 
sides its church its post office and its masonic lodge. Of all the buildings 
which then crowned the summit of the hill not one remains. The new 
church deca3'ed and fell, and most of the farm houses were removed to 
Adams, and after a time the church organization became moribund. Elder 
John Leland supplied the pulpit for some time, but was never settled as 
pastor of the church. Elder Sweet also preaclied for them after the destruc- 
tion of the new church building. However, a claim was made by the heirs 
of the donors of the glebe that the condition of the deed of trust had been 
broken, and the land forfeited. This claim was successfully resisted in the 
courts, and Shubael W. Lincoln appointed trustee. He now holds the 
trust, and applies the income of the fifty acres to the support of preaching 
in the school house hard by, looking hopefully for the time when he may 
see a tasteful chapel again crowning the old hill. 

Let us enter the sacred ground and spend a few minutes with the pastor 
and his flock. But we must first record an episode of their work and dis- 
cipline which throws light upon the manner of men they were and the views 
they held. Col. Samuel Low was one of the most wealthy and prominent 

♦The copy of this deed verbatim is in Barker's article on the early settlement, page 85. 



20 HISTOET OF CHESHIRE. 

of those who founded the settlement and its church. His residence was 
nearest its site. In 1763 he was entrusted with the duty of organizing a 
lottery to raise and grade the streets of Providence, Rhode Island. In New 
Providence he owned slaves — four at least — William Dimon, Molly Dimon 
and their two children, one of whom was Antony. About 1 790, he removed to 
Palatine, New York, having freed old William and Molly, but taking Antony 
and the girl with him. He afterward applied to the church for dismis- 
sal, but it was refused unless he would free the two slaves. A long corres- 
pondence between him and Elder Werden ensued of which this is a sample : 

" Dear Brother — We received your letter and the brethren hath heard it red. 
That part that concerneth Antony and it doth not serve our minds. Our minds is 
that your duty was to have set him at liberty at the age of twenty-one which was 
about a year ago. And as to the bills of cost that you speak of you and he must 
settle that yourselves. We look upon it tliat we have nothing to do in that matter. 
We wish you, very dear brother, to attend to the proposition that you mentioned — 
all men are born free. Therefore our request and desire is that you liberate him em- 
mediately to ease our sister and ourselves of our pain, as we think it will dishonor 
our profession if it is not dun. * * *" 

Adams, March 2d, 1792. 

It may be well here to refer to a brief account of Elder Peter Werden, 
given by Elder John Leland in his works : 

" Here lies the body of Peter Werden, late pastor of the Church of Christ in 
Cheshire. He was born June 6th, 1728. Converted by the mighty power of God in 
the Lord Jesus Christ May 9th, 1748. In the month of May 1751 he was ordained to 
the work of the ministry in Warwick, and continued measurably faithful in his pas- 
toral charge to the close of his life, which was Februai-y 21, 1808. 

His soul to God he used to send. 
To cry for grace for friend and foe, 
But blessed be the God of love. 
His soul is now with Christ above. 

This crumbling sculpture keeps the clay 
That used to house the noble mind, 
But at the resurrection day, 
A nobler body he shall find. 

Descending from the village of the dead toward the southwest the road 
passes around Mount Amos, and overlooks the valley in which is the present 
flourishing \dllage of Cheshire. This village lies in the valley of the 
Hoosuck, and is in that part of the town formerly called Lanesborough. 
There was very early a road following the stream and leading from the cen- 
ter of the county to East Hoosuck. Crossing this is a road over the foot- 
hills of Graylock, from Lanesborough, and the present village has grown up 
at the four corners made by the intersection of these roads. When New 
Providence Hill was popular and flourishing it is said that there was not a 



INTKODUCTOKY CHAPTER. 21 

single house where the present village stands. It is diflficnlt to trace the 
early settlement of this portion of the town, at least without more time 
than the present writer has been able to devote to the task. 

The early settlers were citizens of a lars^e town, the social and political 
center of which was over the hill to the west. They differed from the most 
of their fellow citizens in religious belief, and in the early records of the 
Six Principle and the Second Baptist churches would probably be the richest 
field for investigation as to their names and acts. 



CHAPTER I. 



FROM \1Q1-\111. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, IfEW PROVIDEISrCE. CAUSES PREVENTING THE 
SETTLEMENT OF BERKSHIRE. GEOLOGICAL FORMATION. EARLY SET- 
TLERS. INCIDENTS OF THEIR JOURNEY THITHER. INVENTIONS AND 
INDUSTRIES. AMUSEMENTS. HIGHWAYS. SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 
ESTABLISHED. INNS. STOCKBRIDGE CONVENTION. COLONEL PATTER- 
SON'S REGIMENT. 

We have, in our introductory chapter, given almost verbatim the interest- 
ing article from the pen of Judge Barker of Pittsfield, in which he tells us 
of the little band of pioneers coming through the hostile wilderness from 
Rhode Island, and building for themselves and families a home upon the 
hill-top, which, as a quaint old chronicler has it, they named New Provi- 
dence, '^'Partly in loving remembrance of the place of their nativity, and 
partly owiug to the sweet Providence of God in prospering their undertak- 
ing." Here they established their church and sent for the pious Werden, 
their former pastor, who ministered to them in sj)iritaal things until in 1808, 
the Master called him home. The following is a list of the members of 
this church in the wilds of Berkshire, the First Baptist Church of the 
present Cheshire, as they came from Coventry : Rev. Peter Werden, 
Eunice Bennet, Joab Stafford, John Lee, Betsy Read, Samuel Low, John 
Bucklin, Deliverance Nichols, Joseph Bennet, Mercy Werden, Martha Lee, 
John Day, Alma Low. These members organized the church August 28th, 
1769, and Elder Peter Werden, of Warwick, became their pastor in March, 
1770. 

The discipline of this church was strong, and on the pages of their books, 
yellow with time, we find, in characters that seem stern and stiff as the 
writers, these records : 

" Brother B. was brought before the church for his disagreeable conduct in his 
disguising himself with spirituous liquors, and quarrelling in Col. Kemington's 
tavern." 

"Sister Mehitable B. was admonished for withdrawing herself from the church, 
and going into vain company of merryment, and refusing to return." 



FROM 1767—1777. 23 

"The church voted for admonishing George and Johanna his wife for their for- 
saking their travel with the church, and falling into idolatory." 

" To Brother and Sister Joseph and Unice Bennet, and Sister Hannali Warren, they 
publicly declare that they cannot walk with the cliurch because of their leaning 
toward that remarkable woman, generally known as Mother Ann, and said to be the 
Quean at the right hand of Christ, to whom, the church conclude, her followers go to 
confess their sins." 

Judge liiirker has left but little for us to tell of the New Providence, or, 
as it is more familiarly known, the Stafford's Hill settlement. The hill, 
surrounded by towering mountain peaks, remains the same as of yore. The 
summer sun shines upon the meadows, the glebe land is still cultivated^ 
and its earnings cast in as a tithe for the Great Master; but the houses are 
deserted or removed, even the ancient church, as such, exists no longer, 
while pastor and flock lie, with folded hands, in the silent city on the hill, 
where the roll of carriage wheels is never heard, and the low doors of the 
houses open no more for the inhabitants. The store, the forge, the school 
house, are all gone from this Berkshire hill-top, and over the hills, along 
the winding valley road to the west, we find another village, gray with age 
and whispering of ante-revolution days. 

Around every new genesis clusters a deep interest, strengthened as years 
pass on, and the drowsy indistinctness of age places the facts connected 
with it nearly beyond our reach. To gather some facts relating to these 
people who came from the smiling farms of Eehoboth and Warwick to the 
wihls of Berkshire, an<l secui-ely garland them ere they slip forever from 
this generation, is what we hope to do. 

With such merciless cruelty did the savage foe meet the pale-face coming 
to his country, that it was one hundred years after that grim December 
day, that Miles Standish and Mary Chatworth stepped from their tiny 
shallop onto Plymouth Kock, ere the Hoosacs were reached and crossed. 

The county of Berkshire was the last settled in Massachusetts, a fact due 
to a variety of causes. The common claim laid to boundary lands was due 
largely, to the ignorance of English Kings and Dukes concerning America. 
In almost every case the different nations took possession, in the beginning 
of tracts extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the St. Lav.-- 
rence to the Gulf of Mexico, giving land reaching from the Hudson to the 
Delaware to one party one day the next conveying land extending from 
the Connecticut to the Delaware to another, thus making conflicting claims 
inevitable. 

Berkshire County was far remote from civilization, rough and rocky in 
its surface, and covered in i)laces with dense forests. The boundary line 
between it and New York was unsettled. The Dutch already located on 
the Hudson with a prospect of moving eastward, were a powerful and disa- 



24 HISTORY OF CHESHIEE. 

greeable neighbor that the English dreaded and disliked. The French 
with their Indian allies, coming from Canada by the way of Lake Cham- 
plain and the Hudson, found easy access to the county by following the 
Hoosac Eiver. 

The ever-dreaded, fierce Huron-Iroquois traveling along the line marked 
by Fort Massachusetts, and sister forts to the Connecticut, could easily 
turn aside for a day and put the settler to the tomahawk and the torture. 
All agree that Indians often traversed this region. All believe that they 
came in bands at different seasons to hunt the game, native to the wilds, 
and catch the fish that flashed in the cr3^stal streams. Many, however, 
claim that these children of the forest never made the county, in its north- 
ern half, an abiding home. 

On the border line, between New Framiugham and the present town of 
Cheshire, the bodies of two red men were found, evidently murdered; but 
it was at an early period, and they were doubtless two hunters who had 
strayed from some distant tribe. On the farm owned by Mr. Ira Richardson 
was a meadow to which the name of the " Hut Meadow," was giveu because 
there were so many evidences found there of its having been occupied at 
some remote time as a camping-ground by the Indians. Perhaps their 
wigwams were erected here during some summer season while the braves 
followed the hunt or fished in the mountain streams, possibly the dusky 
squaw turned over the earth, and sowed her corn which she gathered before 
they left the meadow on the Hoosac in the fall. However this may be, many 
weapons of their crude manufacture have been plowed up as the farmer 
turned the furrow along the " Hut Meadow ;" and one day, when at 
work there, a tall Indian, wra])ped in his blanket, appeared upon the scene, 
stalked across the field, seated himself upon the hillside just beyond, and 
sat in stoical silence, gazing upon the river and the meadow, brooding over 
some past memory, and apparently recalling a time when to his fathers be- 
longed the river and the valley. He came in silence, and departed as he 
came with no word of explanation. 

During the war between George II. of England and the French — known 
as the French and Indian war — which ended with the peace at Paris in 
1763, large bodies of troops passed over the line through this county on 
their way to the northward. This movement tended to aid in settling the 
hitherto unknown land — large tracts of which were bestowed upon com- 
panies and individuals as a compensation for hardships endured and services 
rendered the government. The wave that began at that period to rise, 
flowed into Berkshire county, carrying on its billow the advance guards, 
who on the outposts of civilization prepared the way for thousands more 
to follow. 



FROM 17G7— 1777. 25 

The face of th.' country, arouiul the town of which tliis liistory tells, is 
uneven, but it is ii picturesque and an arable succession of hill and dale 
with smooth uplands sweeping up to the feet of the wooded mountains. 
The distinct ranges are the Iloosac on the east, and the Taconics on the 
west, with hoary old Graylock looking down the valley. The southern and 
principal branch of the Iloosac — or as the Indians had it — the " Ashnewil- 
ticooh," flowed through the meadows, golden with flowers, when the settlers 
first located their lands in the valley, choosing the sunny fields and low 
lying hills rather than the wind-swept pastures on the high hill-tops. 

This river is an important one on account of its descent, and frequent 
overflowings caused by heavy rains, melting snows and the rapid rising of 
many mountain brooks tributary to it. The overflow enriches the fine 
alluvial meadows which are especially adapted to the gi'owth of grass, while 
■ the higher lands produce corn, rye, barley, sometimes wheat and tobacco. 
Roaming through the forests, and over the mountains were the bear, the 
deer and wolf. The fox was often roused from his lair, woodchucks 
burrowed in their holes, squirrels hopped from branch to branch, and 
.chattered along the forest paths. Muskrats, minks and weasels builded their 
homes unmolested. The porcupine was sometimes seen on the dusty hills, 
and the terrible wild cat crouched at night on the boughs of the forest 
trees. AVild turkeys made their nests in the meadow-grass, and the king- 
fisher laid her eggs in the deep holes she made along the river bank ; the 
loons called their mates from the shores of the ponds. The gray eagle 
perched on the lone rocks. The summer birds sang in the sunny fields, the 
red headed woodpecker tapped at the trees, the partridge drummed in the 
smoky dells, and the lonely note of the whippoorwill sounded at sunset as 
it did in far away Rehoboth. The fire-fly glimmered at night, the locust 
and grasshopper frequented their fields of grass, oats and buckwheat, 
sometimes committing great depredations. 

Except a small tract along the Hoosac the whole town belongs to the 
primitive formation. No animal or vegetable remains have ever been found 
in its rock and strata. Mica, slate and limestone are the principal rocks. 
Quartz is found in quantity, forming huge beds of sand said to be the 
finest the world knows. Iron ore is also found. Potter's clay is common 
in stream and low ground. 

It was during the next few years after the forming of the Xew Providence 
settlement that the Browns, Barkers, Angels, Comans, Whipples and others 
purchased the lands in the valley. In 1768 the fresh genesis commenced. 
A band of Puritan neighbors, yeomanry and gentlemen, left their comfort- 
able homes in Rhode Island, and made their way, largely on foot, sometimes 
Avith ox sleds or carts, for horses were a luxury that but few could com- 



26 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

mand. Now and tlien one rode away on liorseback. As far as the 
Connecticut River their path was phiin, from this point they struck out 
through the unfrequented ways of the tangled forests, following Indian 
trails, and river courses, blazing the trees as they journeyed, until they 
reached the site of the present town of Cheshire, approaching it by its 
eastern hills or from the south, following up the Housatonic. Over- 
coming the fear of the malarial fogs that rose in the valley, and which 
had influenced their ])redecessors to halt on Stafford's Hill, they immedi- 
ately purchased the low lands then open to settlement, built their camp 
fires, cut down tlie trees, builded their houses, and commenced life in the 
rough. The following notice of some of these settlers is an extract from 
Judge Barker's paper: 

" Elisha Brown of Warwick seems to have been the earliest to remove. His deed 
of lot No. 46 in the 2d division North Range bears date Oct. 6th, 1707, while Daniel 
Brown of Warwick, the more prominent man and largest laud owner, bought No. 45 
the following March. John Tibbits also of Warwick took the north lot of No. 70 
in April 1769, and Abeather Angel of Scituate, R. I., the easternmost lot 63 in Sept. 

1771. Thomas Matthewson of Warwick the west lot 52 in the second division May 

1772, and James Barker of Middletown, R. I., and John Barker of Newport, R. I., 
(brothers) parts of lotsNos. 21 and 76. June 9th, 1773, and Benjamin Ellis of Warwick, 
Lot 41 in 1774. In the same section were John Lyon, who came from Fairfield, Conn., 
in April 1770, and his son Dr. John Lyon (afterwards doctor of Cheshire), born at 
Danbury, Conn., in 1756 and who must have removed to Berkshire with his father. 
The son is said to have been one of the Berkshire boys at Bennington. He lived for 
many years at the old gambrel roofed home under the elms at the forks of the road 
near the crossing of the Kitchen brook in tliQ south part of the present village. This 
home was built about 1769 by John Tibbits, father of George and Henry Tibbits 
afterward wealthy merchants of Albany and New York. James Barker who had 
been one of the Court of Assistance in Rhode Island, and was made one of the Jus- 
tices of Common Pleas in Berkshire soon after his removal to the county, lived on 
the spot now occupied by the widow of Noble K. Wolcott, just north of Dr. Lyon's. 

He seems to have been an active man in public affairs, and was one of the early 
registers of deeds in the northern registry district, and the first town clerk of 
Cheshire upon its incorporation as a town. In the jjrobate office are many wills of his 
drafting in a handwriting closely resembling that of the present clerk of the courts. 

In the practice of Justice of the Peace, and neighborhood counsellor he seems to 
have been succeeded by his son Ezra, to whom he willed his homestead, and who was 
known to a later generation of Cheshire's people, as the old Squire Barker. He died 
in 1796. 

John Barker who came with James from Rhode Island, removed from Chesliire in 
1786, with his family and several of his neighbors, intending to settle in Killington, 
Vermont, but died upon the journey, at Woodstock. His family returned to Berk- 
shire. These men were descended of the James Barker' who is named as one of tlie 
grantees of the Rhode Island Charter from King Charles II." 

James Barker had served five years in the French and Indian War, some- 
times called King George's War, and lasting from 1754 to 1763. A war 



FROM 1767—1777. 27 

that gave Canada and the Mississippi valley east of the river to the Eng- 
lish. Ten years later in 1773 James Barker directed his way toward 
Berkshire. To quote from his journal, kept from day to- day liy his own 
hand, and for many successive years : 

" I sent up my eldest son with wife and children. One pair of oxen, one old mare, 
•and a cow and a bull. I also sent my second son to build me a house on my northern- 
most farm. In May following I sent the bi<:cgest part of my household goods, and on 
the 20th of same month set off with my family and some goods for Providence to pro- 
ceed for Lanesborough. 

I arrived there on the 1st of June, 1773, with my wife and children, and goods all 
well through the goodness of God. I brought up with me two cows and a bull, two 
heifers, a mare and a horse. I brought a letter of connection from Elder Thurston's 
church to Elder Xathan Mason's in Lan§sborough and Xew Providence, and was re- 
ceived into that church with my wife also. My wife, and children, and myself had 
small-pox at the pest house. 

June 27. I bought 200 acres of land of Jacob Bacon for which I am to pay £300 
lawful money all in less than six months." 

As has been stated Squire James Barker died in 1796, and his position as 
justice and village advocate fell with the homestead upon his son Ezra of 
. whom to this day people speak as " Old Squire Barker." 

The first Barker who ever came to America shipped in 1G36. The grand- 
daughter of this man married the falconer of King Charles I., and the 
picture of the royal falconer, dressed as retainers at the Court of the 
Stewart were wont to dress, with the falcon on his shoulder is held as a 
precious heir loom by the descendants. 

James Barker coming into the colony when in its first decade had a wide 
opportunity of influencing those around him, and of shaping the interests 
and principles of the infant settlement. He was deeply interested in all 
religious moves, was for numy years standing clerk in the church, where 
many a letter extant shows the vigorous intellect and wide knowledge of 
the man. John Bucklin from Coventry bought a farm at New- Providence 
and his descendants have always been owners of the soil in the vicinity 
through successive generations. Many interesting stories are told by these 
emigrants of their journey thither, and their first experiences. 

A man, moving with wife and child, drove an ox team upon which were 
loaded the household goods, while the wife with the little one in her arms 
rode on horseback. One afternoon the roads were rough, and the progress 
slow for the loaded team so that as night fell the wife found herself farther 
in advance than she had supposed. In vain she called her husband's name, 
in vain listened to hear his voice, or the sound of the lumbering wagon ; 
but instead of these welcome noises she heard, as it grew dark in the forest, 
the ba3dng of hungry wolves and knew they were on her trail. Dismount- 
ing and fastening the terrified horse, she gathered knots of wood, and piling 



28 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

them high around her horse, herself and baby, she set them on fire, and 
by replenishing at intervals kept the coward horde at bay nntil almost day 
dawn when her husband joined her. 

Caleb Brown built his log house upon the spot where Mr. C. J. Reynolds 
now lives. During the first winter the wolves carried ofi: his calves and 
sheep. Ho was compelled to gather his stock into a rudely coustructed 
shed, and build nightly a fire to shield them from the foe. One night, 
throngh the detention of some of the family and neighbors away from home, 
the sheep were not properly put in the fold, and fell a prey to the wolves 
again, which was a loss very deeply felt. The log house put ujd by Mr. 
Brown was on the opposite side of the street from the present dwelling and 
for the first few years the children with the grown people occupied one end 
of the building, the sheep, lambs, and calves the other. 

In the house afterward erected on the knoll, Caleb Brown reared his 
large family. The house remains virtually the same, a large ajjple orchard 
was set out in the field beyond it, and each cliild possessed a tree named for 
itself, there was the Caleb tree, and the Russel tree, and Lois, and Amy, 
and Lydia, and so on throughout the large number. The trees are 
growing still. 

A natural curiosity in the shape of a huge rock, or pile of rocks, is 
shown jnst south of this building and on the farm. Thrown np in the 
meadow in some convulsion ages ago, great trees have taken root in the 
crevices and are growing green and strong there, a winding way leads around 
the rock, uncertain and dizzy, but takes the pedestrian to the top from 
whence the view in a clear day is a very extended one. 

Jonathan and Shubael Willmarth were among the emigrants who came 
up in 1767, and shared the fortunes of the New Providence settlers ; but it 
appears that when Adams set about obtaining au act of incorporation it 
was the wish of the New Providence people to be incorporated with that 
town. The proposition for some unknown reason Avas not entertained, and 
Adams was incorporated as a town by itself in 1778. At the first town 
meeting men were chosen to office whose names had heretofore been on the 
records at New Providence — notice Capt. Phillip Mason, Capt. Eeuben 
Hinman, and about this time the Will mar ths are found in Adams, where 
they probably remained, but were taken back to the old spot for burial, 
from which one can conclude that they retained their relations with Elder 
Werden's church. In 1780, New Providence was actually incorporated with 
Adams. 

Stephen Carpenter as well as the Willmarths was from Providence, be- 
longed to the same church, and was one of the strong men of the colony. 
He did not stop at the hill proper, but took up land farther to the west in 



FROM 17C7— 1777. 29 

the grant, John Lippit cleared a farm not far from the church hind. lie 
was from Scituate, E. I. None of his descendants remain. 

Another of the very early settlers here was Stephen Northrop, who came 
from Danbury, Conn, He was a young man, not yet married. Entering 
town over the Lanesborough mountain he took up the land so long known as 
the Northrop farm which the family have always owned and inhabited until 
1880. For three successive generations the eldest born was Stephen. Young 
Northrop, looking aruund upon his possession, decided to put up a log house 
near where the brook was flowing along over the pebbles, and commenced 
so to do, but he was soon called upon by some of his neighbors asking him 
to build higher up on the land, as they wished to lay out the road near the 
site he had chosen. This he consented to do and made the change at 
once. The wolves, hungry and fierce, barked around the place as soon as 
the sun went down, making doleful music for the young man — all alone. 
The fire blazed brightly amid the trees all night through; but the wolves 
got bold and howled in spite of the precautions used, advancing nearer and 
nearer the hammock of })ine boughs. Necessity always invents; so it oc- 
curred to Mr. Northrop to construct a box in which he could sleep and be 
safe from his skulking visitors. At nightfall he built his fire and repairing 
to this somewhat crude bed slept in safety. 

Israel Cole, coming up with his wife and small children, one an infant in 
arms, for some cause strayed from the main band of neighbors in whose 
company they were journeying, and as the afternoon closed, the clouds 
darkened, and flurries of snow tilled the air. The forest leaves scudded be- 
fore the mountain gale, and together with the winds, the snow whitened 
track, and the anxiety caused by their separation from the party, they lost 
their trail, and found to their dismay that they were going — they knew not 
where. The wife was riding upon the pony, the infant of the flock in her 
arms, wrapped about in shawls and wraps to protect its tender frame from 
the inclement night. After turning, and changing, and wandering, here 
and there to find the trail, rapidly grown more hidden beneath the snow, 
the mother finally dismounted, tethered the pony and laid the baby, all 
wrapped about and fast asleej:), beneath a tree, that she might better assist 
in finding the way. After a long and tedious search in the darkness the 
trail was found and all things made ready for the onward march, when lo ! 
No baby could be found. With eager hearts, and hasty steps, up and down 
the forest paths they wandered, these two, but could find no black 'eyed 
baby. Weary, cold, and heavy hearted, they sat down for a single moment 
upon the trunk of a fallen tree to devise some plan of action. Through 
the dim woods they heard that mournful sound the pine trees always make, 
and the echos of the rising storm rose and fell like a dirge. Suddenly, to 



30 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

their ears, on the wintry wind came a noise so sweet that they forgot the 
cheerless night, and springing to their feet followed the call. Only the 
cooing of a baby — that was all. For mothers it would be needless to paint 
the rapture with which this one gathered the lost baby in her arms. For 
others, it would be useless, as they could not understand it, but these par- 
ents never forgot the tall beech tree near the Savoy line where in the 
November storm they laid their baby. 

In 1768, Jonathan Eicliardson came from Newton, with two sons, one 
14 and the other 9 years of age. The father rolled up a log house, felled 
some trees, put in some crops, and left the bi-ave little fellows to do the 
farming. They managed the place, milked the cow, tunneled troughs of 
the basswood tree, in which they stirred the cream for butter. 

The wild beasts howled at night around the little log cabin, there were no 
near neighbors ; but on this place — a place now owned by Mr. Frank Wood 
— these brave l)oys remained alone, until the coming of the parents the fol- 
lowing fall. At that time Mr. Eicharclson brought the remainder of the fam- 
ily, and the household goods on an ox cart, occupying five days in the journey. 

Deacon Squire Monroe was a man of note, whose name is found often 
upon the church books, having joined the Stafford's Hill church at an early 
day. He hired fifty acres of land in New Framingham, where he brought 
his family in 1779. On his way he, with his goods, through some accident, 
was thrown into the Connecticut river. Narrowly escaping with his life, he 
sacrificed some of his goods and all of his money, ten dollars in silver; so 
that he was forced to accept charity until he could locate himself, and com- 
mence a course of labor that would bring remuneration. He was success- 
ful, as the world went then, and it so happened that when the country 
began to grow, and lands in central New York were offered for sale, a 
neighbor of Deacon Munroe's caught the western fever, sold his little farm, 
half way up the mountain side, and removed to Elbridge, N. Y. The 
country of course was new and unbroken. Fever and ague lurked behind 
every tree, and shook its yellow Ijanners at every fireside. The weevil 
destroyed the first crops and the rain drowned out the second. The family 
grew very sick of their bargain, and pined for the healthy mountain breezes 
and pure spring water that bubbled up in a crude trough by the door of 
the little red farm house they had left behind. So returning in the fall for 
a visit, they took tea, one day, with neighbor Munroe; the bent of the con- 
versation tui'ning upon the mistake the farmer had made in going west; he 
was full of regrets and complaints and wished that he had never made so 
unwise a move, when Deacon Munroe exclaimed, " Well, well, neighbor C, 
ril tell you what I'll do. I'll take your western farm off your hands with- 
out seeing it, and you may take mine ; even swap all round. Will vou do 



FROM 1767—1777. 31 

it ?" extending at the same time his hand for a hearty shake on the trade. 
The visitor looked at him in surprise, saw that he was in earnest, and 
seizing the jarofEered hand said : " Yes, I'll do it, of course I will, and glad 
of the chance." "Well, well, then it's a bargain. Wife, pack up, you and 
the children." And without farther ado the Munroes were olf for their 
new home, among the fair meadows and productive fields of New York, 
Avhere a fortune awaited them, and where Deacon Munroe lived to be asso- 
ciated with many a good deed and work, where he served the Empire State 
in her councils, and died leaving a fair inheritance to his numerous boys and 
girls, while the discontented neighbor lived out his days on the little mount- 
ain farm, making a living and laying aside a few hundreds by dropping the 
pennies so far down in the depths of his long purse that they did not 
easily find their way out. 

Although no Indian massacres befell these early settlers, as had fallen to 
the lot of their more easterly brothers, the settlement of a new country, 
remote from an old one, is ever rife with hardships. Food, raiment, nec- 
essary implements of labor must be obtained in small supplies and with 
extreme difficulty. The furniture of the tables consisted for many years of 
pewter dishes, of wooden })lates, and cups made of gourds. Johnny-cake 
and mush were standard articles on the pioneer's table. With constant 
labor they, in time, overcame the wild grasses, destroyed the native weeds, 
and cultivated clover with different varieties of grass which covered the 
fields, and afforded fin^ pasturage for their cattle. They rarely killed lamb 
or calf for home consumption, so eager was their desire to stock the farms. 
These practical men soon learned that the location they had chosen was full 
of possibilities for a grazing and dairying country; but the most sanguine 
one among them all, probably, never dreamed of the manufacturing success 
that would be attained by some of the future inhabitants, a success made 
possible by the many wheels that would be turned by the little tumbling- 
river, running so quietly between the alder trees. In the meantime their 
heroic hearts quailed sometimes, when the fruits of toil went down in a 
single night from causes beyond their control. Prowling wolves devoured 
their flocks, wild storms swept across the country crushing their fences and 
admitting animals to tread the valued crops beneath their tramping feet. 
Again they would be stolen by thieving crows or squirrels, while sometimes 
foxes, running mad, appeared among their cattle, snapping, snarling and 
biting. The way looked dark, and the pioneer farmer wondered how he 
was to provide for the little ones coming so rapidly to his cabin home. 

Each farmer had his mark for the animals that browsed in the open 
country through the summer ; this mark was branded upon the back or 
clipped in the ear, and by it the owner claimed his property in the fall. 



32 HISTORY OF CHESHIKE. 

Eeviewing the history of these ])eople many queries arise. How did tliey 
grind their corn? for they must have mush and Johnny-cake. How did 
they make their leather? Where were the smithies? for horses must be 
shod, and tools must be mended. What of shoemakers, millers, tailors, 
weavers and furniture makers? Saw mills were a first necessity, water 
power was plenty, therefore they were the first industries establislied, and 
grist mills followed. At Pontoosnc pond was the nearest grist mill for the 
Stafford's Hill settlement; the way was long and the settlers improvised 
circular tin graters, tlien they pounded their corn in an iron mortar with a 
pestle, which was succeeded by circular stones after which it is said that 
the first water wheels were patterned and called "Tub Mills." 

The climate demanded warm clothing for many months ; every house- 
wife was familiar with the loom, and kept the spinning wheel running. 
Most thrifty people dressed in homespun. A blue and white checked linen, 
home woven, was a common dress among the women in summer, replaced 
by flannel in winter. They raised their own flax and reared their sheep. 

The manner of living was well calculated to develop the original, invent- 
ive power of people, and in every neighborhood was sure to dwell some 
whose native ability allowed them to carry on successfully the different 
crafts, and as no person has every gift, in the diversity, by an exchange all 
could be provided for. Women were usud,lly the tailoresses; some one who 
could lit well went from house to house cutting and pre^Daring the coats, 
vests and pants, and was followed by a woman with her "goose," who staid 
until all were made. The shoemaker, bearing his kit, (meaning a shoe- 
bench with Avaxed ends, awls, brads and the tools necessary 'for the manu- 
facture of a shoe,) went his rounds every fall. Fixed in some out of the 
way corner, he pegged and sewed and whistled until all the feet were shod. 
This they called " Whipping the Cat." 

Every family tanned its own leather. Cutting down a huge tree they 
made of it a trough, which they sunk in the ground to the upper edge; this 
was the tan-vat. While clearing the land there was no trouble in securing 
the bark in a sufficient quantity, which was dried, then on cloudy days 
when the boys could not work out of doors, they pounded and shaved it on a 
big block of wood. Ashes were applied to the skins to remove the liairs in 
place of lime. The blacking was made of soot from the chimneys mixed 
with lard. Possibly, when finished, the leather was a trifle coarse, but it 
was good and wore admirably. 

Everything at first — pork, sugar, teas, household furniture, etc., — must 
be brought from beyond the Connecticut, often strapped on horseback, 
packed in saddle bags, sometimes by ox teams which made them all expen- 
sive luxuries. In the spring time the maple trees were tajiped, the iron 



FROM 1707—1777. 33 

kettle hung on the cnine or the arched branches in the woods, and a supply 
of sugar and molasses made. In the fall, if the sugar cask ran low pump- 
kins were boiled down and the quantity thus increased. 

Working with the few and awkward tools they could command, they 
achieved wonderful things, and those who live to-day look in silent admira- 
tion upon the articles that now and then come to their notice. The maple 
was their favorite wood. Their floors manufactured of it were neat and 
lasted well. Their looms were somewhat heavy perhaps, but they answered 
every purpose. The ploughs with their wooden mouldings would scarcely 
do a farmer now, but they turned the furrows well; the harrows with their 
wooden teeth, the long flails, and sleds for winter use were well made. 
Sometimes now, beneath the roof of a gray old barn, hanging in some sly 
corner, one spies a flail, or scythe, or harrow, covered with the dust arid 
cobwebs of years, and looks and wonders as he thinks of the hand that 
fashioned and wielded them. 

The women requiring salcratus for their short-cake had no way of pro- 
curing it; baking powder or soda they had never heard of, but they knew a 
way that their grand-daughters have never been quick enough to think of. 
They boiled lye and salt together, put them in a bottle and when they evap- 
orated, behold! a saleratus, or, as they named it, peai'l ash, which answered 
all their needs. Others burned cobs, and procured the same result from 
the ashes, called cobash. 

Furniture was difficult to manage. Kitchens were generally provided 
with benches and a wooden settle, this latter was long with high back and 
ends, the seat opened on hinges and revealed a box where wood was kei)t in 
winter, a pine table, looking glass, and never failing dye tub of indigo blue 
stowed in a warm corner completed the list. In the parlors were straight- 
backed, wooden chairs, table, looking glass, a sanded floor, and if the 
family was " forehanded," a chest of drawers and a bedstead. Sometimes 
white curtains were used for the windows, but green shades were more 
common, manufactured of strips of bass wood, cut thin and exactly the 
width of the window to be curtained. A woof was drawn into the loom 
and these strips woven with it, care being taken to have a plain piece at the 
top and bottom of each shade that it might be properly hemmed. 

Stoves were not used. Huge fire places occupied nearly one side of the 
kitchen, and often on a cold winters night when a great fire was needed 
the farm horse was chained to a big log and driven into the kitchen where 
before the fire place the log was unfastened, placed across the andirons, 
and the gentle horse, thus released from his burden, driven from the door 
again. Back by the soot grimed chimney was a swinging crane from 
which hooks werfe suspended, where the kettles were hung to boil. Potatoes 



34 HISTOKY OP CHESHIRE. 

were roasted in the hot embers drawn out upon the hearth. Johnny-cake 
was baked on a flat board before the red hot coals. Some housewives used 
a *' tin kitchen/' in which they baked pies, bread and cake. This was a 
sloping tin box with one side wholly open, and drawn up before the glowing 
fire, the opposite side and the ends were inclosed, while over the top was 
placed a cover when the dishes were baking. Others had a brick oven 
either in the chimney or out of doors in which great fires were made, and 
left to burn until the bricks that lined the oven were thoroughly heated. 
Then the coals and ashes were removed and the oven cleanly swept, ready 
for the long rows of pies, cake, bread, etc. 

Matches were unknown. Fires were started by flint, or an old match- 
lock was often made to do duty in lighting the morning fire. Provided 
with dry whittlings, a bunch of tow and the old fire lock, or flint, a spark 
of fire would be obtained which touched to the tow would ignite at once. 
Sometimes by rubbing two sticks of punk together the spark was caught. 
The careful housewife covered the tire at night with ashes thus rarely al- 
lowing it to go out. Those who were more thoughtless sometimes found 
themselves with no fire on the hearth, no flint or punkwood. In such a 
case some of the children were bundled up, given an iron kettle with a cover 
and sent to the nearest neighbor with the message: "Please will you lend 
us a fire-brand?" 

Among the dangers that awaited the backwoodsman, it is said, there were 
none greater than the falling of forest trees. Sometimes grown rotten 
with age, the branches weakened by storms, or made heavy by snow, the 
giant tree would stand until the jar caused by the hunter's tread would be 
sufficient to send it crashing through the air and upon the unsuspecting 
walker below. Sometimes in cutting down a tall tree the chopper would 
not run in the right direction, and overtaken by the heavy boughs, was 
killed outright, or so pinioned by them that he was powerless to escape. 

During the first winter of the settlement while clearing land in the close 
vicinity of Stafford's Hill, one among some .men who were felling a tree 
was killed in this way. His companions scooped out the trunk of a tree for 
a burial case, laid him in it, dug a grave in which at night they lowered the 
coffin, and lest it might be disturbed by prowling beasts or stray Indians, 
levelled it like a ploughed field and took turns in watching it for some nights. 

The descendants of men who trod the decks of the Mayflower and the 
Speedwell could not be other than grim and jiustere. Rugged and angular 
as the encircling mountains, they were strict in morals. A man was not 
allowed to shoot on Sunday, and the tithing man collected his tax from 
any who travelled on that holy day save to the house of prayer. Wines 
and liquors were "set out," for one's friends, and drinking an every day 



FROM 1767—1777. 35 

affiiir, still drunkenness, it is clainicd, was not us prevalent as at the 
present time. Journeys were made on liorsel»ack. Ladies rode on a pillion 
placed behind the gentleman's saddle. This was considered decidedly grand. 

The day on which the Governor was elected, called Election Day, and 
''general training" were days given to amusement, for although it Avas a 
grave thing to dwell under the blue laws of the Puritans, the young people 
had their sports. Thanksgiving Day itself must be spent demurely, given 
to prayer and praise, but the following day might be devoted to pleasure 
and frolic. Husking and paring bees, quilting parties and singing schools, 
were allowed, and after the.ears of corn were hu-sked, sometimes the fiddle's 
loudest notes sounded beneath the rafters of the huge barn, and many feet 
tripped in time to Money Musk, and whirled through Virginia Reel. So 
time passed on, and the fathers of the hamlet, after laying out their farms 
and erecting their houses, turned their attention to the making of highways. 
These were made with difficulty, usually along the hills and high grounds 
to escape the mud and marshes of the low lands. They were narrow and 
winding, following generally, some Indian trail or cow path or mountain 
way amid the rocks, trodden by the sheep of the early dwellers. Since that 
day many have been changed; some shortened by running along the river 
banks, some however, follow the hills, rocky and steep, as of old. 

Among the first, surveyed as early as 1770, is that going north from New 
Providence Hill for a distance, then turning to the westward it ran along the 
northern line of Lanesborough as it was before the division of towns, and 
can be traced now over the hills beyond the present village of Cheshire. A 
road at a later date was surveyed that followed the brow of the hill to the 
south, descending into the valley of the Hoosac, where, making a direct 
westward turn it crossed the river and passed through the village. Keep- 
ing well to the north, it cut the lot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. 
R. C. Brown. On the right hand was the burying ground then in use, but 
of which no vestige remains, a field of grain and carefully tended garden 
marking the spot to-day. From this point the road climbed the westward 
hill close by what is known as the old grave yard. A line of bushes marks 
its course to-day as it went on through the land of Liberty Hammond, de- 
scended just beyond into a hollow among the hills to which the pioneers 
gave the name of "The Kitchen;" from thence on through Lanesborough, 
Hancock and Stephentown to the New York line. There was also a contin- 
uation of this road toward the east from Stafford's Hill, leading through 
Savoy, Plainfield and on to Northampton and Springfield. Although not 
a turnpike this was an important and much traveled road. Long before the 
whistle of the engine was heard in the valley it was the regular stage route 
from Albany to Springfield, on which a line of well filled coaches, drawn 



36 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

by four horses, rolled along at a fine speed over the hard, white roads, stop- 
ping at the inns of the hamlets, and forming the sensation of the day. 

At an equally early period a road from north to south was laid out. 
Striking the town at its southern line it run over the hills. The main road 
is used at the present as it was in early days, and is known as the " Old 
Eoad." A few cross lanes leading from it have been discontinued. It 
passed through the village, crossing the first road from east to west at right 
angles, thus forming the four corners, which gave the place the name of The 
Four Corners, or The Corners as an abbreviation. Going on to the north it 
passed around the valley, turned over the hills a(,t the James Cole farm, and 
by the Fisk place, entered the south village in the town of Adams. The 
road that 'goes through the present village of Cheshire is just the same as 
when first laid out more than a hundred years ago, through the then 
wooded paths of New Providence Grant. 

This village belongs to the "long ago," and as one walks down the quiet 
streets the thoughts revert to the anxious times of fear and care that 
marked its settlement. Many of the houses go back to the beginning of, 
and some precede the nineteenth century by many years. Occasionally one 
retains its great square chimney, its box-like entry, narrow windows and 
massive frame, and it is not difficult to see, in imagination, the tall forms of 
the pioneers, in their high hats, and swallow tailed coats, th-e first Stafford, 
Low, or Brown, Bucklin, Bennet, Wells, Barker, Richardson and all the 
rest, as they marched down this same street, or wended their way to the 
cold meeting house on Stafford's Hill, where was a line of comfortable farm 
houses, a big tavern, and some stores. 

'Around the corners clustered the new village ;is the old one at Stafford's 
declined. From the Kitchen, in the hollow, a country lane was opened with 
a northerly course, and joining the old road to Adams. This rejoiced in 
the euphonius title of "Pork Lane," and here for many years a gay portion of 
the young people were centered. Substantial farmers purchased the land 
all along this street, builded their houses, and reared their families, good 
old-fashioned families, they were too, seventeen and eighteen active boys 
and girls to a house. They were not afraid of sons and daughters in those 
days. In 1771 came Elder Nathan Mason of Swansey, Mass., with a baud 
of twelve devoted brethren, brought back with him when he returned from 
his labors upon the bleak Nova Scotia coast, and finding six more Swansey 
brethren, believers in the same faith, he formed a church of eighteen 
members, which convened itself with tlie Rhode Island yearly meeting of 
Six Principle Baptists. The Sixth Principle made the laying on of hands 
after baptism requisite to communion. 

On the then populous, " Pork Lane,'" they built their '' meeting house," a 



FROM 1767—1777. 37 

S(|uarc, barn like building with benches, and tlircc legged stools for seats, 
witli no shades to temjjer the heat of the summer sun, or stoves to take the 
chill from the desolate room when winter gales were blowing. Just before 
the junction of the main street and " Pork Lane," they iilactd it, and of the 
character of the pioneer preacher, its founder, Elder Leland, a contempo- 
rary says: 

"He was a man of peace ami <ijodliness, preachinor seven days of the week by his 
life and conversation." 

This church was known, when first organized as the First Lauesborough 
ISajitist Chui'ci). 

Inns were built at an early day. Colonel Remington and Captain Joab 
Stafford kept tavern in the thriving boro' on Stafford's Hill, and both, no 
doubt, found plenty of custom. Captain Stafford's tavern was on the very 
summit of the hill, on the site of the only dwelling house now standing. 
The Stafford House was a commodious one and its owner combined the 
occupations of farmer, storekeeper and landlord. In the newer village be- 
ginning to gather around the corners, Medad King established himself in a 
public house by the side of the highway leading down the valley from south 
to north, and along which emigrants to Vermont and Lake Champlain 
found easy travelling. Medad King's inn was a low, rambling building, 
with a large, grass plat before the door, and towering trees that cast their 
shadows over house and fields through the summer days. Built in 1768, 
it was one of the first frame houses and the very first inn at the new village. 

Redeeming their lands from the wilderness, building houses, new settlers 
joining them, planning for meeting houses and schools, and for the future 
support of the gospel, time passed rapidly away, while the murmurings 6t 
discontent grew audible among the colonists, in consequence of the oppres- 
sion of the Mother Country. Little by little the op])ressive taxes placed 
upon the colonists had increased until they reached a culmination. Far 
away over the storm-tossed Atlantic, in the city of London, laws were made 
for them in which they had no part, and were not allowed representation. 
The scene in Boston Harbor at midnight, the closing of Boston as a port of 
entry, and troops in the uniform of King George, filling the streets of 
the city, told in unmistakable language of the approaching conflict. The 
discijdine of the colonists, during the war only closed in '63, had been 
good, and taught them a spirit of independence which increased, noAv, 
with every added burden, so that when the call came at last, every patriot 
ear heard, and every patriot heart responded. 

Delegates from all the towns of Berkshire were sent to a convention held 
in Stockbridge, in July, 1774. Cheshire, as a town, did not then exist, but 
was included in the towns of New Framingham (now Lauesborough), East 



38 HISTOKY OF CHESHIRE. 

Hoosuck (now Adams), New Ashford and Windsor. To this convention, 
from Lanesborough, were sent as delegates, Gideon Wheeler, Peter Cnrtiss 
and Dr. Francis Guittau. From Adams, Elial Todd. At this convention 
they pledged themselves in behalf of their constituents to raise with the 
most prudent care, sheep and flax that they might be able to manufacture 
necessary cloth, and from all who refused to indorse the movement the pat- 
ronage of the people should be withdrawn. If .merchants, no article of 
British or East India goods should be purchased from them. They pledged 
and agreed that they would neither import, purchase or consume articles 
sent from Great Britain to America ; a covenant that was literally observed. 
The women refused to use imported teas or sale suga?', using the herbs that 
grew upon their farms for the former and sugar made from maple syru]") 
and pumjikins. 

Neither did their patriotism exhaust itself in conventions and pledges. 
As news of the increasing strife of feeling reached the settlers, during all 
the long, cold winter the hardy backwoodsmen gathered around the mam- 
moth fires of maple logs, and canvassed it as it came to them. Their hearts 
beat responsive as they declared their readiness to stand as one man against 
the oppressor, for the homes they were establishing. With the opening 
spring came the beginning of the conflict. Every body knows the story of 
Concord ; everybody can tell the running fight of Lexington, and how the 
news flashed along the travelled roads and forest paths, repeating itself from 
hamlet to hamlet and from farm to farm, caught up by travellers along the 
green woods and told from point to point, it was not long in reaching the 
sturdy, frontier yeomanry, who with one accord gathered on the green to 
declare their determination to defend their rights, and thus enjoy the lands 
they had subdued, and the future for which they had so successfully laid 
the foundation. 

The battle of Lexington was fought on the 10th of A]n'il, 1775. On the 
afternoon of the 21st the tidings readied Berkshire, and when the sun 
climbed the hills next morning it shone upon a scene of wild excitement in 
place of the clearings of the settlers in their usual ijeace and quiet. 

Many of the New Providence and Lanesboiouoh men added their names 
to the enlistment rolls, and some of them joinei! the regiment at Pittsfield, 
which, on the morning of the 22d, stood with muskets and uniforms in 
battle array, ten companies strong. It was officered by Colonel Patterson 
and reported at Cambridge. There were other voluntary enlistments for 
longer or shorter terms as the emergency seemed to deniand. 

All who were able were willing to defend their country. Women who 
could not go on to the battle-field turned from the sorrowful goodbye to 
husband, brother, or lover to finish the half-turned furrow, or put the crops 



FROM 1707—1777. 39 

in the field, side by side with tliose who were too aged or infirm to join the 
warfare. This Berkshire regiment was employed at Bunker Hill, and from 
it nioM were drafted in the fall of 1775, to join the ill-starred expedition of 
I'enedict Arnold. With such a fearless commander to lead tliey fought 
their way up the ice-bound Kennebec, across the desolate, unfriendly wilds 
from the scattered settlements in Maine to Canada. 

After the disastrous I)attle of Quebec, with one commander slain upon the 
snow-whitened jolains, bearing one disabled with them, and leaving the flag 
of the Briton to float undisturbed over all the Canadas, they slowly re- 
treated to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Isolated men were sent thent;e 
eastward to join Washington in his Christmas campaign, and participate in 
the brilliant battles of Trenton and Princeton. A glorious stroke by which 
Gen. Washington outgeneraled the great CornAvallis, and left him watch- 
ing the camp-fires until tlie booming of cannon on the midnight air told 
him that " That Fox" had sprung from llis lair, and with blanching cheeks 
he listened to Erskine, standing in the door of his tent and crying, "To 
arms ! General, to arms ! Fly to the rescue at Princeton." An exploit 
that would read well on the page of military history, side by side with the 
deeds of Alexander of Macedon or the great Napoleon. When we add that 
some of these heroes were in at the surrender of Burgoyne in the fall of 
1777, it is surely a tale of glory sufficient for one soldier. 

Among those who entered the settlement prior to the breaking out of the 
war was the family of Nathan Mason. Nathan, the father, never tried the 
new counjtly, but his sons, Samson, Barnet, Jessie, Nathan, Levi, Pardon 
and Aaron made for themselves homes at New Providence ov Lanesborough. 
These brothers, with the excej)tion of Samson, were in several engagements 
during the war of the Revolution and saw some severe fighting. Their 
names appear, again and again, npon the pay-rolls. They were in the hot 
fight at Bennington, and were so begrimed with the powder Avhich cov- 
ered their faces that they did not know one another when they met upon 
the field* after the battle was over. 

They were all at the Bennington fight, save Nathan who was unable to go 
in consequence of a lameness brought on by some rheumatic difliculty. 
Grave fears were entertained by some that if the British won the day they 
would advance across the border line into Massachusetts, and thus sweep 
on up the county of Berkshire. So the brothers, in a family conclave 
liastily gathered before leaving home, arranged with Nathan to hold the ox 
team in readiness, so that at a moment's warning of the approach of the 
dreaded foe he could gather in the capacious cart the members of the vari- 
ous families, and be off toward the south. 

Samson Mason's name never appears in the annals of the town, either by 



40 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

ti-adition or record ; his stay was probably short. Pardon Mason returned 
to Providence. Of Aaron Mason their is nothing definite after his return 
from the war. 

' Barnet, Levi, Nathan, and Jessie Mason located on, or near "Pork Lane." 
B.imet' mirried Biah Werden, Werden Mason was their son, who was 
father of Barnet% Calvin, John and Alden, Jesse' Mason, who lived upon the 
farm now occupied by Leroy Northrop, was the father of Nathan^ and 
Sherborn. Nathan' Mason was the father of Abner, Nathan^ Barnet-*, 
Isaiah, Eda, Desire. 

Levi Mason married Amy.Gilson, and their large family was reared in a 
house on the corner of " Pork Lane" and the main road, now owned by Lib- 
erty Hammond. There was Levi, Roswell, Silas, Pardon, Isaac and Arnold, 
Phelinda, Lovina, Laura, Lucinda, Merinda. 

Nathan Mason-, son of Nathan', married a daughter of James Mason, who 
had settled at the "Kitchen" a place where his son Joshua, and again his 
grandson Nathan lived upon the land, carried on the tanning business, and 
where, now, a member of the family in the fourth generation resides. 
Nathan Mason^ was the father of Rev. Almond W. Mason, Dr. Ira N. 
Mason, Ethan A., Desire, and Eobie. 

Melancthon, son of Silas Mason, became a successful mechanical engineer, 
and was the inventor of the locomotive head-light. He had the supervision 
of the car shops of the New York Central Railroad at Auburn, for a long- 
term of years. 



CHAPTER II. 



FROM 1777 ^1787. 



BURGOyN"E S ADVANCE. BAUM's ATTACK UPON BENNINGTON. STARK'S 
CALL FOR BERKSHIRE MILITIA. COL. JOAB STAFFORD'S INDEPENDENT 
COMPANY. CAPT. SAM. LOW's COMPANY. CAPT. DANIEL BEOWN's COM- 
PANY. RICHARD Stafford's account of bennington battle, ac- 
count OF A TORY IN THE FORT. COL. STAFFORD, HENRY TIBBITS'. 
CHESHIRE AT STONE ARABIA. CAPT. LOW'S COMPANY AT ST. CROIX. 
COL. STAFFORD RE-INFORCES COL. AVARNER. CAPT. BROWN's MARCH TO 
PAWLET. CAPT. BROWN'S COMPANY SENT TO NEW HAVEN. LIEUT. JERE- 
MIAH brown's COMPANY JOIN STARK AT SARATOGA. DEACON DANIEL 
COMAN. SAMUEL WHIPPLE, DEACON CARPENTER, STEPHEN INGALLS, 
DAVID DUNNELL'S RECORD. SHAY'S INSURRECTION. ANNEXATION OF 
NEW PROVIDENCE TO ADAMS. JOHN WELLS, DANIEL AND NATHAN WOOD, 
WILLIAM JACQUES. 

It was August, 1777, that Gen. Burgoyne was toiling over the road from 
Ticonderoga to Albany, his objective point, and the city where, in the 
brilliant scheme he portrayed for the British Parliament, he was to meet the 
triumphant army of Clinton ascending the Hudson, and, thus uniting, 
crush the back bone of the rebellion by separating the eastern from the 
middle States. 

His advance was laborious over the road blocked up by the enemy, and 
gave Gen. Schuyler ample time to gather the yeomanry to oppose his ap- 
proach. Reaching Fort Ann, a point midway between Skeenesboro and 
Fort Edward, Burgoyne proposed to send a force of Brunswickers under 
Lieutenant Col. Baum to Bennington, to capture some stores that the 
Americans had concealed at that place. To this diversion his generals were 
positively opposed and advised pushing rapidly upon Albany, before Schuy- 
ler had sufficient time to gather his forces at the front. Burgoyne, how- 
ever, was obstinate and would not change his plans. The magazine at 
Bennington must be surprised and captured, and at the same time his 
Brunswick drao-oons remounted. In vain did Riedesel, the commander of 



42 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

the Hessian allies, plead for the dragoons to be left behind on this mission, 
where everything depended upon light, swift action — in vain did Phillips 
suggest that the lightly equipped rangers would be the most efficient 
soldiers for the occasion. Against the urgent advice of Eiedesel and Phil- 
lips the haughty, self-confident Burgoyne sent his order to Baum : 

"You are to disconcert the enemy, to mount the Riedesel's dragoons, to complete 
Peter's corps, and to obtain large supplies of cattle, horses, and carriages. ■ Your 
detachments must bring in to you all horses fit to mount your dragoons, also saddles 
and bridles. The dragoons themselves must ride and take care of the horses of the 
regiment. Scour the country from Rockingham to Otter Creek. The corps under 
Mr. Warner said to be at Manchester will probably retreat before you. Should any 
troops from. Mr. Warner's or Mr. Arnold's army post themselves in an advantageous 
position to intercept you it is left to your discretion to attack them or not, always 
remembering that your corjjs is too valuable to let any considerable loss be hazarded 
ou this occasion. You ivill send off cattle or carriages to prevent being too much incum- 
bered, and will give me as frequent intelligence of your situation as possible. If, con- 
trary to expectations, you are attacked send me the quickest intelligence, and you 
may depeyid rq)on me to sustain you. Go down the Connecticut Riveras far as Brattle- 
boro. Send to me as prisoners all officers, civil and military, acting under Congress, 
and returning over the big road, meet me at Albany on the Hudson." 

" Britons never go back," Burgoyne had said, as floating merrily down 
the Champlain, he looked with pride upon the flying colors, and glistening 
arms of his invading army — 8000 strong. He anticipated no defeat. 

In obedience to this great order, Baum and his men, dismounted dragoons 
and infantry, Hessians and Indians, marched across the Batten Kill through 
the pleasant summer weather, little dreaming of the fate to which they 
went, or how worthy was their foemen's steel. 

The Brunswick dragoons, clad in their leather jerkins, their high jack- 
boots, and tall hats, heavy with ornamental feathers, their massive carbines 
strapped across their shoulders, and unwieldly broad swords trailing at their 
sides, dragged along the dusty highway, encumbered by the flour they were 
compelled to carry, and the herd of cattle they drove for their daily main- 
tenance. The result might have been foreseen. '• Contrary to expecta- 
tion," M7\ Stark and Mi\ Warner did not remain quietly at Bennington, 
and the Manchester Pass, and allow Baum and his heavy dragoons to sweep 
by them in safety. By a rapid and well concerted movement on the part 
of the Americans under these shrewd generals, Baum was cut off from his 
English allies, who fled, and left him and his awkward squad to their fate. 
Of 400 men, who halted on the hill at Bennington, with Baum, 360 were 
killed, and when Burgoyne gathered his army again on the other bank of 
the Hudson, he only needed twenty horses to mount all the dragoons that 
were left to that glorious army of the Britons who Jiei'e?' went back. 

The people of New Hampshire had sent Gen. Stark, who had so gallantly 



FROM 1777—1787. 43 

maintained their honor at Bunker Hill, with a company of volunteers to 
check the progress of Burgoyne and gu'ard the western frontier prior to any 
hint of this expedition. 

It was on the 13th of August that Gen. Stark learned of the presence of 
a body of Indians twelve miles north west of Bennington, and the same night 
was notified by an express messenger that a large force of British was in 
their rear. Stark sent upon the instant to Manchester for Warner's men, 
while relays mounted on the fleetest steeds fled along the country roads to 
bear the warning. 

Living in the town called, now, New Ashford, near the foot of Graylock, 
was a patriot by the name of Tyler, — great uncle of Dr. Phillips of Ches- 
hire — who as soon as the word reached the low farm house saddled his 
horse, and was off in the night; over the hills, down the stony mountain 
paths, through the country known now as Cheshire. A clatter of hoofs up 
the door yard drive, a knock at the door, a flash from the grated lan- 
ern, a word of warning, "The Regulars- are advancing on the New York 
frontier." The place of rendezvous, was all that the dwellers by the way 
heard. It was all that they needed to hear, but it was enough to create the 
wildest commotion. In many a house the fire of pine knots was kept all 
night, and before it was melted all the family pewter, brought forward 
by anxious mothers and weeping wives, to be run into bullets for the com- 
ing conflict. Elder Peter Werden set the example of loyalty to his flock 
by sending three sturdy sons, Peter, Judah, and Eichmond, with all the 
pewter teaspoons, and that this example was eagerly followed by his people 
the muster roll of Col. Stafford and Capfc. Low abundantly proves. From 
Stafford's Hill went Daniel Eeed, who had already participated in some of 
the most stirring events of the war, being one of the party commanded by 
Ethan Allen at the capture of Ticonderoga, and serving in the memorable 
expedition against Quebec under Arnold. His grandnephew, Steward White, 
still occupies the farm that he then owned. Before the dew was dry on 
the greensward beneath the tall trees that overshadowed the tavern of 
Medad King the boom of the signal gun announced to the eager watchers 
upon the hillsides, and in the valley that the moment for decisive action 
had come, and singly, or in squads of twos and threes with hastily seized 
guns the minute men were on their way to Bennington. 

Squire Ezra Barker was at work in the field now occupied as a cemetery, 
and before the report had ceased he dropped his hoe, and with hasty steps 
went home for his gun and started alone. As he neared Pownal he met the 
women, children and old men, a panic-striken crowd, fleeing in terror from 
the '• Bloody Britishers," and his righteous indignation against the sanguin- 
ary foe burst forth in oaths which tradition says waxed fiercer and fiercer, 



44 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

nor did they cease until the battle ground at Bennington was reached, and 
he could avail himself of a more effectual weapon than his tongue. 

When numbered, . Capt. Daniel Brown reported forty-six men from 
Lanesborough. Colonel Joab Stafford gatliered an independent band of 
volunteers numbering forty-one, from New Providence, Lnnesborough, East 
Hoosuck and Windsor, while " Captain Samuel Low took from New Provi- 
dence forty-four men to Bennington battle." This same captain and com- 
pany had been doing duty from tbe last day of June until the 4th of August, 
when they were summoned to Bennington at a place called St. Croix, 
on the Walloomsac, eighteen miles from home. The men were mustered 
in on the 14th, and were in service six days according to the pay rolls. 

When Champlain turned his two pigmy ships from the Atlantic down 
the dark St. Lawrence, seventy years after Cartier had named the river, and 
the little Indian village on its banks, he could find no trace of town or peo- 
ple, but was captivated by the charms of the new country, and fired with 
the ambition to plant his religion upon the ground, and claim it for his 
sovereign. Many Jesuits, missionaries and teachers, followed in the wake 
of the explorer, and through the wilds of Canada and Vermont, they trav- 
elled along the Indian trails, planting the cross of the Nazarine wherever 
they could win the savage to listen to the story. Here, where the Walloom- 
sac, the Hoosac and White Creek unite their waters, stood once the cross 
of the Jesuit who ^iroposed to gather a flock and establish a mission. 
For a long time the white cross stood by these murmuring streams giving 
to the surrounding country the name of Saint Croix, according to the 
French Jesuits, and, becoming anglicized is sometimes called Sancrois, 
and even Sancook. The cross went down, at last, beneath the storms 
and gusts of the century, and a gristmill stood in 1777, near the junction 
of the waters. 

On August 14th, the hasty march was made by the Berkshire men eager 
for the fray. At an early hour on the morning of the loth, Capt. Brown 
called the muster-roll of his company. All day the storm beat and the rain 
fell, the woods were filled with waiting anxious Yankees, the Indians, fright- 
ened, ran away in groups of twos and threes. Celonel Baum sent a messen- 
ger to Gen. Burgoyne to tell him of the rising of the New Hampshire and 
Berkshire yeomanry, and Gen. Stark conducted himself like the spirited, 
vigorous man he was. His master mind influenced his men, and infused its 
spirit and bravery into them, making good soldiers of all, affording a bril- 
liant exploit from its inception to its achievement, and sending Benning- 
ton Battle on to posterity as one of the most important of the American 
Kevolution. Eeviewing his troops, as over the hill to the left just appearing 
in sight the British Grenadiers were proudly marching, Gen. Stark, mounted 



FROM 1777—1787. 45 

upon 11 bar of the rustic fence, and pointing with his long forefinger toward 
them, said with animation : 

"■ There, boys, are our enemies — The Red Coats. We whip them to-day, 
my brave men; or MoUic Stark sleeps a widow to-night." 

We all know the oft-repeated story, and need.no person to tell us that 
Mollie Stark did not buy her widow's weeds that day. 

Where there 'are so many anecdotes and incidents of interest as cluster 
around the day of this battle the temptation is very strong to give more 
than can have room in the pages of a condensed history; but only those 
may be taken that are closely allied with Cheshire at Bennington. 

Mr. Stephen Whipple from this town, chanced to be given in the disposal 
of men a place among the fighting ranks, and when in his position some 
impulsive enthusiastic man, eager for a shot at the enemy, approached him 
begging him to exchange he having been assigned the care of some horses 
in the rear. Mr. Whipple said he did not mind provided the captam con- 
sented. So the arrangement was made, and the poor fellow so eager for a 
fighting position went down in the fray, while Whipple lived to tell the story. 
. Lieut. Amos Prindle of Capt. Brown's company, stood side by side with 
Dea. Stephen Carpenter of New Providence, when the latter saw a man 
behind the Tory breast-works, raise his gun, take aim and fire at Prindle 
who fell dead at the feet of Carpenter. The next instant Carpenter had 
sent a shot crashing through the brain of the Tory and saw him fall ; then the 
battle swept on, hiding the enemy from view. On going over the field next 
day Carpenter found, as he expected, the next door neighbor of Prindle, 
and an avowed Tory, stretched in death. His retribution had been swift 
and sure, and he must have met his victim again ere he left the battle-field. 

Col. Stafford at the head of his band of volunteers was ordered to attack 
the Tory breast-works, which were in a southeasterly direction from the 
position of Col. Baum — a hill beyond the river — and distant something like 
a half mile. Approaching through a ravine which covered the little baiid 
from the fire of the enemy, they reached an advance guard of the Tories 
sooner than the colonel expected. He received a wound at this point, but it 
did not prevent him from retaining the command of his company, and lead- 
ing them on where they soon found hotter fighting. Where the Tory breast- 
works reared their bulwarks highest, where the fight raged fiercest, and for 
two hours one unbroken peal of cannon, and shot of Tory musketry crashed 
and boomed, and pealed through the August day, there stood our brave 
Berkshire men, fighting together in one band — as one regiment. The 
Indians fled the field. The Tories were driven from their last breast-work, 
the Hessians forced to leave the ground, and the British troops to sur- 
render. Col. Baum did, indeed, journey on the big road to meet his Great 



46 HISTORY OP CHESHIKE. 

Commander ; but never would Gen. Bnrgoyne meet his officer at Albany 
on the Hudson, mid waving flags, and nodding plumes to the sound of tri- 
umphant music, for he fell mortally wounded on the hill at Bennington. 
They called the battle over, and said the day was won, when suddenly 
from over the winding Walloomsac — a tributary of the Hoosac — which was 
so shallow as to 1)e forded at all points, and so crooked that it doubled three 
times as it meandered across the battle-ground, came the sound of marching 
feet, and ])Mst the mill, Col. Breyman's troops appeared with shining uni- 
forms fresh from camp. Even Gen. Stark, looking around upon his men, 
weary and fagged, and worn, was confused, and scarcely knew what could 
be done. 

Major Warner, who had himself been in consultation with Stark since 
the first alarm had not been able to put his men into action. Coming up 
from Manchester on the 15th, they had been exposed to the flooding rains, 
were drenched through and through, weighed down with the mud, their 
guns water clogged, and ammunition Avet. Ere they could put themselves in 
a condition to cope with so powerful an enemy, the fighting was over. 

At this critical moment they came to Stark's relief, who encouraged by 
their movements strove to rally his own men. Calling for volunteers to go 
out and meet the enemy, a young man called to a companion to take his 
place as guard over the horses or baggage, and stejDj^ed out before Stark as 
the first volunteer. 

''But," said a cautious old soldier, who knew by bitter experiences of the 
past what that day's work might mean, "You are too young, my friend, for 
such a job." 

"No," exclaimed Stark, ''he is the first to offer I shall trust him." 
One by one the ranks were filled. Standing near the end of the Berk- 
shire line — by an old stone-T^all — were two young men little more than 
boys and unknown to fame. These two had gone with the sturdy yeomanry 
when the signal gun had sounded on the tavern green, and answered at the 
roll-call of Capt. Brown, to the name of Daniel Coman and Nathan Wood. 
Watching Stark gathering his troops for the impending attack, seeing the 
peril of the hour, young Coman seemed to catch the inspiration, and leap- 
ing upon the wall he swung his hat higli above his head and shouted, 
" Come on my boys, lets give one more pull and the day will be ours," and 
started forward to join the volunteers. 

Meanwhile, Col. Breyman's command had halted near the grist-mill and 
about a mile from the first point of engagement. Warner's men and those 
who had rallied started down the road to meet the British. A slow march 
was made, and Breyman's men advanced strong and steady and sure. 
Well drilled and orderly, they met the Americans at a point about one mile 



FROM 1777—1787. 47 

from the hill where Bauni fought and fell, half a mile from the si)ot where 
they had started to meet them along the road to the west, and half a mile 
from the mill where Breyman's corps made the first halt, thus the Amer- 
icans and British had marched each half a mile, but now the English sol- 
diers pressed our men steadily back, and still back, until they stood upon 
the very ground where the first volunteer had come to the front, and where 
young Coman had made his sally from the stone-wall. Here they took their 
stand and stood like a rock, not one inch did they yield, and the cannons 
thundered again over the little rivers and among the mountains, and the 
dead colonel and the lieutenants lay on the hill overlooking the valley where 
they had died in the morning battle. And the brave young men with the old 
made the final pull all together, and it settled the day, for as the sun went 
down beyond the tall old mountains its last look was upon the " Ked Coats," 
with their glistening bayonets in rapid retreat before the forces of Stark. 

So ended the battle of Bennington. Gen. Stark in writing of it said : 
" The hardy yeomanry of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, 
fresh from the plough and unused to the camp, advanced through fire and 
smoke and mounted breastworks that were well fortified and defended with 
cannon." Burgoyne writes to England in sad contrast to his orders to 
Baum : " This section unpeopled, almost unknown during the last war, 
swarms with the most rebellious people on the continent, and hangs like a 
gathering storm on my left. The obstinacy with which they fought sur- 
prised and astonished all beholders." Burgoyne never regained the cheer- 
ful heart nor the high hopes with which he started on this campaign, never 
again as when the flotilla sailed down Champlain, was he so positive that 
only triumph awaited the royal armies. After this his Indian supporters 
deserted him by scores, and a general consternation settled over his 
endeavors. 

The General Court afterward re-imbursed the towns of Lanesborough, 
New Ashford, Williamstown, East Hoosuck, Windsor and New Providence 
settlement for the powder, lead and flint used at the battle and provided 
in the flurry of the moment by themselves. 

The spoils taken by Stark were equally distributed among his soldiers, 
and his bravery was rewarded by a vote of thanks and the stars of Brigadier 
General. There is nothing in this queer world so successful as success. 
Stark acted independently — and succeeded. Had the battle by any fatality 
been lost the vote of censure actually passed by Congress after the battle, 
but before the news of its glorious success reached them, would have been 
forwarded with bitter disajjproval in place of the promotion that followed. 
The present sent to Massachusetts from the Walloomscoick hangs in the 
Senate Chamber at Boston : A Hessian gun and bayonet, a drum, sword. 



48 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

and a grenadier's cap with its tuft of feathers. The sword of Col. Baum is 
still in the possession of G. W. Robinson of Bennington, and owned by E. 
D. Foster of Cheshire, is a walking stick made of a beech twig pnlled on 
the battle-field in 1 777. 

Seven hundred prisoners, four field pieces, four ammunition wagons, and 
a thousand stand of arms were the trophies of Stark and his brave men at 
Bennington. 

Among those who went from Lanesborough, (now Cheshire), was Capt. 
Daniel Brown. At his home, on that still afternoon in autumn, came the 
sound of an occasional cannon shot. By the cradle of a sick child sat the 
wife of the soldier, the village doctor had told her there was but little hope 
of recovery, and as every echo from the battle, sixteen miles away, reached 
her ears, she kissed the cold brow of the infant, and shivered lest her hus- 
band too, might be lying cold in death. 

"^ Send for the captain," said an attendant who was witness to her silent 
grief. 

''Oh, no," replied the brave woman, "I would not call him from his 
place of duty. He would not come if I did," and she turned to watch by 
the cradle of the little sufferer. 

The prisoners taken at Bennington were marched through Berkshire 
County and a detachment of them passed through Lanesborough, (now 
known as Cheshire). Among these was a band of Hessians who could speak 
no English — as a rule — and had been told when hired to England's King to 
help fight his war in the colonies, that if they were ever taken prisoners 
they would be massacred in cold blood by the Americans who were by nature 
a cruel and bloodthirsty people, therefore, they must fight like bloodhounds 
before they suffered themselves to be taken prisoners. So now they recalled 
this story and believed that a dreadful death awaited them in the near 
future. Marching with downcast faces and heavy hearts, they reached the 
farm on the old road down the valley owned now by Mrs. Reed, when one 
of the Hessians who had learned a smattering of the English tongue, on 
entering into conversation with a guard found that they were not to be 
murdered, only paroled and prevented from fighting. The news ran 
like lightning along the line, overjoyed with the assurance they struck up 
a wild Hessian song of triumph. The music rolled along the valley, 
gathered strength with every added bar, travelled on and on, echoed from 
the hills, and swelling in one grand finale died away in notes of joy on 
the distance. 

From Stone's Campaign of Burgoyne, a book somewhat rare, the follow- 
ing letters are taken, which will doubtless interest all dwellers of Cheshire 
who are interested in its early history. The first is a letter containing a 



FROM 1777—1787. 49 

communication from tlie lips of Col. Joab StafTorcrs son, Richard, made in 
1828, and runs as follows : 

"My father lived in the western part of Massachusetts, and when Col. Warner called 
upon the militia to come out and defend the public stores at Bennington, he set off at 
once with many of his neighbors and hurried his march. He was well known to his 
townsmen, and so much esteemed that the best men were ready to go with him, many 
of them pious people, long members of the church, and among them young and old, 
and of different conditions. When they reached the ground they found the Hessians 
posted in a line, and on a spot of high ground a small redoubt was seen formed of 
earth just thrown up where they understood a body of Loyalists or Provincial troops, 
that is Tories, was stationed. Col. Warner had command under (ien. Stark, and it is 
generally thought that he had more to do than his superior in the Inisincss of the day. 
He was held in high regard by the Massachusetts people, and my father repoi'ted 
himself to him, and told him that he awaited his orders. He was soon assigned a 
place in the line, and the Tory fort was pointed out as his particular object of attack. 

" When making arrangements to march out his men, my father turned to a tall, 
athletic man, one of the most vigorous of the band, and remarkable for size and 
strength among his neighbors. ' I am glad,' said he, ' to see you among us. You did 
not march with the company; but, I suppose, you are anxious for the day to begin.' 
This was said in the hearing of the rest, and attracted their attention. My father was 
surprised and mortified on observing the man's face turn pale and his limbs tremble. 
With a faltering voice he replied: ' Oh, no, sir, I didn't come to fight, I only came to 
drive back the horses!' ' I am glad,' said my father, 'to find out we have a coward 
among us before we go into battle. Stand back, and do not show yourself here any 
longer.' 

"This occurrence gave my father much regret, and he repented having spoken to 
the man in the presence of his company. The country, you know, was at that time 
in a very critical state. Gen. Burgoyne had come down from Canada with an army 
which had driven all the American troops before it. Crown Point and Ticonderoga, 
the foi'treises of Lake Champlain, in which the northern ])eople placed such con- 
fidence had been deserted at his approach, and the army disgraced itself bj' a panic 
retreat without fighting a battle, while Burgoyne was publishing boastful and threat- 
ening proclamations which frightened many, and induced some to declare for the 
King. Just at such a time when so many bad examples were set, and there were so 
many dangers to drive others to follow, it was a sad thing to see a hale, hearty, tall 
man shake and tremble in the presence of the enemy as we were just going to fight 
them. However, an occurrence happened, fortunatelj'', to take place immediately 
after which made amends. There was an aged and excellent old man present, of a 
slender frame, stooi)ing a little with advanced age and hard work, with a wrinkled face 
and well known as one of the oldest person in our town, and the oldest on the ground. 
My father was struck with regard for his aged frame, and much as he felt numbers 
to be desirable in the impending struggle he felt a great reluctance at the thought of 
leading him into it. He therefore turned to him and said: ' The labors of the day 
threaten to be severe, it is therefore my particular request that you will take your 
post as sentinel yonder, and keep charge of the bagage.' The old man stepped for- 
ward with an unexpected spring, his face was lighted with a smile, and pulling otY his 
hat in the excitement of his spirit, half affecting the gayety of a youth, whilst his 
loose hair shone as white as silver, he briskly replied : ' Not till I've had a shot at 
them first. Captain, if you please.' All thoughts were now directed toward the ene- 



50 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

mies line, and the company partaking in the enthusiasm of the old man gave three 
cheers. My father was set at ease again in a moment, and orders being soon brought 
to advance he placed himself at their head, and gave the word, ' Forward, march!' 

"He had observed some irregularity in the ground before them which he had 
thought might favor his approach, and he discovered that a small ravine, which they 
soon entered, would cover his determined little band from the shot of the enemy, and 
even from their observations, at least for some distance. He pursued its course, but 
was so far disappointed in his expectations that, instead of terminating at a distance 
from the enemy's line, on emerging from it, and looking about to see where he was, 
he found the fresh embankment of the Tory fort just above him, and the heads of the 
Tories peeping over with their guns levelled at him. Turning to call on his men he 
was surprised to find himself fiat on the ground without knowing why, for the enemy 
had tired and a ball had gone through his foot into the ground, cutting some of the 
sinews just as he was stepping on it so as to bring him down. At the same time the 
shock had deafened him to the report of the muskets. The foremost of the soldiers 
ran up to take him in their arms, believing him to be dead or mortally wounded, but 
he was too quick for them, and sprang on his feet, glad to find he was not seriously 
hurt, and was able to stand. He feared that his fall might check his followers, and 
as he caught the glimpse of a man in a red coat running across a distant field, he cried 
out, ' Come on, my boys! they run! they run!' So saying, he sprang up, and clamber- 
ing to the top of the fort, while the enemy w'ere hurrying their powder into the pans 
and the muzzles of their pieces, his men rushed on shouting and firing and jumping 
over the breastworks, and i^ushing upon the defenders so closely that they threw 
themselves over the opposite wall, and ran down the hill as fast as their legs could 
carry them. 

" It so happened that many years after the close of the war, and when I heard my 
father tell this story many times over, I became acquainted with an old townsmen of 
his who was a Loyalist, and took an active part as a soldier in the service of King 
George, and he told me the following story of the battle of Bennington: 

" I lived not far from the western border of Massachusetts when the war begun, and 
knew your father very well. Believing that I owed duty to my King I became known 
as a Loyalist, or, as they called me, a Tory, and my position became very unpleasant. 
I therefore left home, and got with the British troops who were come down with 
Burgoyne to restore the country to peace, as I thought. ' 

"When the Hessians were sent to take the stores at Bennington I went with them, 
and took my station with some of the other Loyalists in a redoubt or small fort in 
the line. We were all ready when we saw the Rebels coming to attack us, and were 
on such a hill, and behind such a bank that we felt perfectly safe, and thought we 
could kill any body of troops sent against us before they could reach the place upon 
which we stood. We had not expected, however, that they would approach us under 
cover, but supposed we should see them on the way. We did not know that a little 
gully which lay below us was long enough and deep enough to conceal them; but 
they knew the ground, and the first we saw of the party coming to attack us they 
made their appearance right under our guns. Your father was at the head of them. 
I was standing at the wall with my gun loaded in my hand, and several of us levelled 
our pieces at once. I took as fair aim at them as ever I did at a bird in my life, and 
thought I was sure of them although we had to point so much downward that it made 
a man a small mark. Your father and I fired together, and he fell I thought he was 
dead to a certainty, but to our surprise he was on his feet again in an instant, and 



FROM 1777—1787. 51 

they all came jumping in upon us witli such a noise that we thought of nothing but 
getting out of the way of their muskets as fast as possible, and we scattered in all 
directions. I had a sister living in that vicinity with whom I sought refuge." 

When Col. Stafford was carried from the battle-fiekl of Bennington 071 a 
litter, up the slope of Stafford's Hill to his own home, where he kept at 
that time a tavern and store combined ; in his bar-room they found Cum- 
mins, the Tory, whom the colonel reprimanded on the morning of the 
sixteenth. As he had arranged to do he drove the horses home, and on 
this day dropped in at the tavern. He had rendered himself obnoxious to 
his patriotic neighbors prior to this, and now to find him comfoi'tabiv 
quartered there, Avhile their brave friend and commander was suffering from 
a wound inflicted by just such Tories as he was rendered them wild with 
indignation, and they would have hung him without judge or jury as soon 
as they could have prepared and adjusted a rope had it not been for the 
interference of Col, Joab, who took the ground that his house w^as the 
refuge of all in distress, and he would not suffer it. 

By thus saving the life of Cummins he secured warm friends for his 
family, and descendants as well as for himself, for the man Wiis so over- 
whelmed by such an unexpected act of friendship') or kindness, that he never 
could forget it, but remained an ardent friend of the noble colonel, and 
bequeathed the feeling as a legacy to his children. Living in the same town 
with Col. Stafford was an old white-haired man — probably the oldest man 
in New Providence settlement at the time of Bennington Battle — by the 
name of Henry Tibbits. He heard the news of the invasion that threatened 
the frontier, and was told that the signal gun was to be fired on the tavern 
green when men were needed. He took down his musket, he cleaned and 
polished it, he carefully loaded it, then he filled his powder-flask, and took 
his shot, arranging it as hunters do, and placing it in some secure hiding 
place he told his wife that he must neieds chop his trees, but if the gun 
should sound from the tavern door she should take the musket from off the 
hook, and bring it to him in the woods. 

Busy at her work she did not fail to listen, and through the open windows 
came at last the booming of the gun to notify the minute men, and accord- 
ing to the plan the brave woman took the musket and went out to meet her 
husband. He waited for no formalities, his leather .apron girdled his waist, 
and he took no time to remove it. Eeceiving the weapon from the hands that 
bore it with a hurried good-bye he was off for Bennington, and was the 
white-haired man who so earnestly desired "one shot at 'em," before he 
accepted the place proposed as overseer of the horses and baggage. Henry 
Tibbits was related by marriage to Col. Stafford. . 

Occupying a prominent position, always generous, Col. Joab Stafford was 



52 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

often called upon by his country to assist in her times of need. To these 
calls he turned no deaf ear. He already was called captain when he came 
up from Khode Island in 1767, whether from actual service as commander 
of some training band, or as master of a ship is not known. 

The first Stafford coming to America was Thomas Stafford. He brought 
with him the coat-of-arms of the English family engraved on wood and 
mounted on a panel a foot square it bore the words: "Virtue the Corner 
Stone of Life." 

Samuel, the son of Thomas married Mercy, daughter of Stukely Wescott. 
This Stukely Wescott and wife were banished from the Salem colony with 
Roger Williams and followed him to Providence. Here it was that Samuel 
Stafford met and married Mercy Wescott. From this Stukely Wescott 
descended Benedict Arnold. Thomas, son of Samuel and Mercy Stafford, 
married Audrey Green, and was the father of Col. Joab Stafford, who mar- 
ried Susannah Spencer, a pretty quakeress, and became the father of ten 
children. 

Thomas Stafford died in 1765, and in 1767 Joab joined his friends and 
neighbors in seeking a home in Berkshire. He bought of Joseph Bennet 
and Nicholas Cook three lots of land on the hill which has always 
borne his name. He came from the revolutionary struggle as colonel, and 
when the war was actually over he found himself rich in an exploded cur- 
rency, but poor m reality for little Avas left, save his real estate, of a prop- 
erty by no means small as he had been successful in early life as a lumber 
merchant, and as a voyager to foreign countries from whence he brought 
many curious and rare articles that are treasured by his descendents as 
precious heir looms. Col. Joab handed down the coat-of-arms of the family, 
and it is now in possession of Mrs. Edward Doolittle of Bergen, N. J. 
Among the pioneers who entered Berkshire during the years following 1767, 
was a Stukely Wescott, who owned land, and whose descendents have 
dwelled always in this vicinity. 

The Stukely Wescott banished with Williams, being grandfather of Col. 
Joab Stafford, the families were, no doubt, neighbors and friends intimately 
known in addition to the relationship, and, as such, joined the exodus com- 
ing up at a little later date than Joab himself. Stukely settled near his 
neighbor Stafford, and there are deeds and deeds — on the records — of farms 
deeded to his various sons by Stukely Senior. 

Col. Joab was declared a revolutionary pensioner in 1794, and applied to 
Congress for back pay between the dates of 1794 and 1777, this request was 
denied. Col. Stafford then sold two of his farms on the hill, and removed 
to Albany, N. Y., where his name appears repeatedly in connection with 
the commissioner of Land Patents. In 1800, he returned to Cheshire to 



FROM 1777—1787.. 53 

the house of his son Richard, who lived at " The Notch," just below the hill. 
The wife of his youth died at Albany just before this, and the brave pioneer 
and patriot feeling his health impaired, overcome by disease, perhaps, felt in 
his loneliness a longing for the home and scenes he appears to have loved. 
At all events he never again left them. In LSOO, he parted with the last 
farm, the spot on the very top of the hill Avhere he had kept the tavern and 
store. This is the farm now occujiied l)y Mr. Frank Prince, and is only a 
stone's throw from the site of the meeting house built in 1786. Joab Staf- 
ford also owned a house on the opposite side of the street, this he sold to 
Timothy Mason, who kept open house there for many years, and in 1801. 
when the November leaves Avere falling, they bore the brave pioneer and 
gallant soldier over the fields to the Notch burying ground where "they left 
him alone in his glory," with the simple, stone to tell through all the years 
the story of his death. 

Richard Stafford left Cheshire in 1815, for Palatine Bridge, N. Y., where 
he died in 1826. His wife was Susan Brown, daughter of Elisha Brown of 
Cheshire. His descendents still reside in Canajoharie and vicinity. 

Col. Brown of Berkshire, was stationed in the fall of 1780 at Fort Paris 
on the hills north of the Mohawk River, and ordered to assist Gen. Van 
Rensselaer in heading off Johnson and his Tory band. 

No section of the countrj^ was more bitter against the colonial cause than 
the magnificent valley of the Mohawk, swept through and through by John- 
son's hordes, scoured by sullen bands of Indians, traitors lurked at every 
corner and menaced the Patriots at every turn. That Col. Brown in the 
prime of his noble strength, foreseeing and vigilant as he was — reading with 
unerring certainty the characters of those about him — with the fate of 
Braddock, and the more recent tragedy of the gallant Herkimer at Oriskany 
before him as warnings, should listen to the beguiling Avords of the foe 
without one questioning word must ever remain a mystery — a mystery made 
doubly strange from the fact that a faithful soldier had entered his tent 
that morning and warne(i him of danger at hand ; but the brave general 
refused to listen to what seemed idle forebodings, and on the morning of the 
19th of October started with his troops to effect the junction with Van 
Rensselaer. These troops numbered about 300, and were largely New Eng- 
land levies with a goodly number from Lanesborough and New Providence. 
On this same morning Sir John Johnson crossed the Mohawk at a rift near 
the spot where now stands the village of Spraker's Basin. The march of 
his Tories, Indians and Loyalists along the Susquehanna and Scoharie 
Creek to the Mohawk had been a desolating one, he had camped at the 
Nose the previous night, and marched directly on toward Fort Paris the 
morninir of the 19th. 



54 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer encamped at Fultonville on the night of the 18th, 
only fourteen miles east of the enem^, and he might easily have overtaken 
them, and with his vastly superior force might, it would seem, have averted 
the fall of Col. Brown, but while we know that he succeeded in reaching 
Fort Plain, only three miles from the battle-field, while the noise- of the 
carnage, and the Indian war-whoop were still sounding through the valley 
from the Palatine Hills and dined with a friend, we must remember that 
at the court of inquiry held at Albany to ascertain the cause of his slow 
march he was exonerated from ull blame. 

Col. Brown prompt to obey his commanding officer started from Fort 
Paris at an early hour. It was his thirty-sixth birthday that was to be the 
day of his death. Clad in his official uniform, mounted on his black charger 
he rode leisurely over the breezy knolls, through the hollows in the dense 
thickets of the new country, along the road expressly marked out by Gen. 
Van Rensselaer. At his side in unbroken silence rode the friend whose 
dream had foretold, hidden danger or ambuscade. 

■ Marching down toward the Mohawk, they soon passed the little stockade 
of Fort Keyser, and looking for the enemy expecting Van Rensselaer to be 
in their rear he hastened on when he came suddenly around a turn in the 
road. Just before him and where the highway branched off, on a. command- 
ing knoll stood a farm-house, its old-fashioned front rose straight for two 
stories, upon it rested its antique roof with deep dormer windows, over it 
great trees tossed their glossy boughs, before it swept a fresh open meadow, 
and to the westward the placid Cayuga Creek wound its way to the Mohawk 
scarcely two miles away. Beneath a gnarled hickory tree, before this house 
was gathered what seemed a family party. Grand parents and children, 
fathers, mothers and servants, in their midst a mounted horseman speaking 
his last good-bye to a weeping wonum. The horseman galloped forward, 
and delivered to Col. Brown the following message: " Gen. Van Rensselaer 
bade me tarry until you came up to tell you to bring your troops by this 
road rather than the one you are pursuing."' Death walked by that way- 
side but no one saw him, only the faithful -soldier who had warned his 
colonel, yet again that morning, felt his blighting shadow, but with no 
other word he rode with his officer and friend into the fatal ambush from 
which neither would ever emerge in life. So palpable seems the plot it ap- 
pears that the voice of the horseman could hardly fail to tremble in pro- 
nouncing the lie, lest the usually far-seeing Colonel should detect the ruse. 
He who said of Benedict Arnold, years before he acted the role of traitoi", 
''So great is his greed for gold, so black his heart, I fear if the British meet 
and know him he would sell his country," read no guile in the traitor who 
. addressed him that October morning.. Surely, " Whom the Gods destroy 



FROM 1777—1787. 55 

tliey first muke mad." The gallant colonel turned down the road followed 
by his men and in silence rode into " The valley of Death." 

A little later the Indian whoop, the whizzing arrow, and rattle of mus- 
ket shot told the story of a deadly ambuscade. Bewildered, unprepared, 
there was nothing left but flight or death with, alas ! no choice for some. 
Col. ]5rown and his friend fell at the first fire.* Nehemiah Riclnirdson, of 
Cheshire, tall, muscular and fleet, nscd his limbs to the best advantage, and 
escaped unharmed, so did Amos Pettibone. Tradition says that Moses Wol- 
cott fared hard in the scramble for life because of his slight stature, and 
would have hardly come out of the melee only that the bright idea occurred 
to him of jiressing the fleet legs of Nehemiah Eichardson into his service. 
He caught his coat-tails as he dashed past him in hot haste and clung to 
them with all the tenacity that the "Old man of the Sea," did to Sinbad 
the Sailor. 

Nehemiah objected at first, and as the burden grew heavy and troul)le- 
some protested against the arrangement, when Uncle Moses would exclaim 
as he gathered the skirts in a tighter clutch. 

" I snore! I snore! Nehemiah, that's wrong, now, to throw a neighbor ofl". 
Don't you do it. Don't you Jump me." 

Perhaps it would have taken longer to cast him off than to go on with 
him, and perhaps the kind heart of the tall man would not allow such a 
move. It was remarked once by an old man whose peculiar temperament 
did not allow him to progress pleasantly with all of his neighbors and who 
did not acquiesce in the religious opinions of the Richardsons: 

" Well, there's no use in arguing — them Richardsons were born Chris- 
tians from the beginning, and that ends it." At all events, whatever 
prompted Mr. Richardson he allowed the little man to ride out on his coat 
skirts and they reached a pLice of safety together. It is said that Amos 
Pettiljone never wearied of recounting this wonderful story. 

Like the tale of '' Horatius at the Bridge," ever repeated by the Roman 
firesides when the nights were long, when the good wife knit her stockings, 
and the good man mended the bow, so with this more modern battle in the 
little brown farm house by the open kitchen fire of piled up maple logs, 
this story of the " Brave days of old," and Little Moses' strange ride at Sioney 
Arahy was told again and again until the teller won for himself the soubri- 
quet of Sioney Arahy. 

It is comparatively easy to record those who came home from this dread- 
ful battle-field, and quite impossible to find which of the Berkshire boys 
fell in death. It is known, however, that there were some, and in the lan- 

*Col. Brown had with him that morning 250 or 300 men, 45 were slain and scalped, the rest took refuge in flight. 
Six were slain by the Indians when found behind a rock, where they had hidden. 



56 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

guage of one of Berkshire's orators, " John Brown sleeps not alone at Stone 
Arabia. Many a Berkshire boy fell with him. Many a Berkshire mother's 
heart sunk within her at the news of that day's work." 

On the 30th day of June, 1777, Captain Samuel Low's company marched 
to the St. Croix where they remained in service until the 14th day of August, 
when they were dismissed just in time to be summoned from that place to 
Bennington, where they fought, and were in service from the 14th to the 
19th of the same month (August). 

On the 5th day of Sej^tember came the alarm all down the county from 
Pawlet, the head-quarters of Gen. Lincoln. Troops were needed to defend 
the frontier from Burgoyne and his horde of Tories and lawless savages, a 
merciless foe to send out in civilized warfare; but one which the minister 
at the Court of St. James declared to be a proper one to fight the colonists 
of England, "On principle." 

Again Capt. Low's troops started for the front, and remained from the 
5th of September until the 5th of October. Twice during the month of 
October, 1780, Capt. Low's company were called to the northward under 
orders of Gen. Fellows. 

On the 16th of July, 1777, a company of volunteers under Capt. Joab 
Stafford marched from New Providence to re-enforce Col. Warner's men at 
Manchester, by order of Gen. Schuyler. 

On September 5th, 1777, Capt. Daniel Brown marched with his company 
to Pawlet, the head-quarters of Gen. Lincoln. Many brilliant exploits were 
performed by the Berkshire detachments during the month included from 
Septeml)er 5th to October 5th. 

On October 13th, 20th and 27th, 1780, Capt. Daniel Brown and his com- 
pany were called for and marched to the relief. 

On July 13th, 1779, Capt. Brown's company commanded by Lieut. White 
were sent to New Haven. 

The men of Cheshire who went out in this command were Silas Barker, 
Jeremiah Read, Joshua Read and Newhall Barker. In a company under 
Lieut. Jeremiah Brown, in Col. Asa Barnes' regiment, which was detached 
on an alarm on the 13th day of October, 1781, and joined Gen. Stark at 
Saratoga, were Rufus Carpenter, Levi Wilmarth, Joseph Spencer, Jonathan 
Smith, Benjamin Bovven, Jonathan Richardson, Daniel Biddlecome, John 
Wilmarth, Jeremiah Smith, Joab Stafford, Jr., and John Richardson who 
were detailed to take care of the baggage and paid twelve shillings. 

On the 19th of October was the fatal battle of Stone Arabia, in which were 
engaged, from New Providence and Lanesborough, Nehemiah Richardson, 
Calvin Hall, Daniel Reid, Benjamin Carpenter, Charles Thrasher, Amos 
Pettybone, Moses Wolcott, Simeon Smith, and Roger Pettybone. Tradition 



FEOM 1777—1787. 57 

Siiys that Lieut. Nathaniel Bliss was also in this engagement. His name 
(Iocs not appear on the pay rolls. 

In 1184 of this decade Deacon Daniel Coman put np the house where Mr. 
James Wells now resides, he having purchased the farm of 250 acres from 
the heirs of Deacon Coman in 1844. The deacon is described by a contem- 
porary as a wealthy farmer devoted to his church, first in all good works and 
deeds of charity. A large family filled the house which stands upon the 
original site and is but little changed. It is among the oldest houses in the 
town; for this is its centennial year. Tiu farm is beautifully located, and is 
approached by a grassy lane lined with trees on either side, and gorgeous in 
the October days with the wealth of blooming golden rod and crimson 
sumac leaves. The fields and meadows sweep away from the house like 
some vast amphithaatre, at the foot of a little incline and in easy view from 
the house is the fish pond, a sparkling sheet of blue water, which glints in 
the sunshine as it did a hundred years ago, when the deacon walked upon its 
brink, and the children paddled across it in the boat always floating there. 
It is never dry, is twenty feet deep, and is fed from invisible springs with 
no apparent outlet. 

The house upon this farm is an ancient landmark that has been protected 
with the most generous care by its present owner, Mr. Wells. Tlie flat door 
stone of half circular shape is mortised into the massive cellar wall, and ap- 
pears none the worse for all the feet that have crossed it. Entering the 
door one is plunged headlong into an antiquarian mine, which the owner 
patiently goes over with the descendants of the Coman family, whose name 
is legion. The parlor with its fire place and little handirons, its tiny win- 
dow panes, the old wainscoting with its dark blue paint, the very cat holes 
in the doors, the wooden hinges, and quaint latches where the latch string 
was always out, with some of the chairs, the tables and stands, reach back to 
the days when the Comans lived beneath the roof and laid their plans for 
work and pleasure. Across that corner in the little parlor stood the happy 
bride, beneath that window they placed the burial case, and in yonder bed- 
room Deacon Coman, like a shock of corn fully ripe, bade good-bye to life. 
In the chamber above are coats of home-made broadcloth, bell crowned hats 
• and bonnets, grown old like the faces that wore them, which bring your an- 
cestors around you clad as of old in their high heeled shoes, and short 
gowns and petticoats. 

Going up the lane, on the right hand side, lies the family burying ground. 
The Comans, Whipples and Angels of those days rest there beneath the sod, 
a goodly company, the gray haired man and the little babe, the soldier 
scarcely at the prime of life, and the young maiden. Over them all nod the 
trees set out by hands long since dust. The Coman family went out from 



58 HISTOEY OF CHESHIRE. 

this homestead one by one, to form homes for themselves, seeking as their 
fathers had done before them, a new country. Mercy Coman married Ar- 
nold Mason, son of one of the early settlers on Pork Lane, and started at 
once for Central New York, crossing the Hudson at Albany on the ice, trav- 
eling with an ox team. They made their home where the spires and chim- 
neys of Utica now rise, which with the means for traveling they had at their 
command was a great distance from the farm house m the Berkshire settle- 
ment; the way was diQicult at the best for the journey must be made with 
oxen or on horseback, it was only the favored few who had private carriages, 
and public conveyances were not provided. But when sickness entered the 
home, and a sister lay at the point of death, distance and danger were for- 
gotten, and Mrs. Mason mounted her pony, took her youngest child, a babe 
of little more than three months, and so, on horseback, rode the entire dis- 
tance from Utica to Lanesborough, reaching her destination in safety, while 
neither herself nor child was the worse for the brave undertaking. 

The same year that Deacon Coman came to Cheshire, Stephen Whipple 
bought land at what is always called Muddy Brook from the brownish yel- 
low color that the stream takes on at that point. The farm that he bought 
jiroved to be a valuable investment for Mr. Whipple, altliough not an alto- 
gether satisfactory sale to the owner, Dr. Lyon. Mr. Whipple, it appears, 
either took the papers, or, with native shrewdness that taught him to go 
througb the world with his eyes well open, learned that the money of the 
States, Continental currency as they called it, and which had been as good 
as gold, was rapidly depreciating, and he must make use of what he had 
soon, or it would be a dead letter on his hands. So, taking his way up to 
Lanesborough, he made an oJSer for this Muddy Brook farm which was 
accepted and for which he paid the cash.. Ere many months elapsed the 
money became so utterly useless, that from that time to the present, the 
most emphatic way to express the entire nothingness of any article has been 
to say, "Its not worth a continental," and Mr. Whipple's predecessor found 
that the money he had so gladly received was nothing but dust, that like 
the Dead Sea fruit had turned to ashes in his hands. 

It was the ancestor of these Whipples who spilled the first blood of the 
Eevolutionary war. Capt. Whipple of the schooner. Defense, in Charleston 
harbor was ordered to use all military precaution to oppose the passage of 
the British toward Fort Johnson. He executed the order, and as it was be- 
fore the Declaration of Independence, it opened the war at the south. 
There have been three Baptist ministers in the family, Eev. Madison Whipple, 
Eoswell Whipple and Rev. Alden B. Whipple of Pittsfield, a historian of 
several of the Berkshire towns. 

Deacon Stephen Carpenter, an early comer, was at this time a man of note 



FEOM 1777—1787. 59 

and inflnence, successful in a worldly way, his family are said to have been 
among- the most aristocratic people. He settled north of the village in New 
Providence, and his home was built just below the point where Pork Lane 
merges into the old road to Adams. This street, so much traveled then, 
is now a grassy, country lane, the houses are old, some of them have tum- 
bled down, the stone walls are overgrown with bushes and mountain flowers, 
still some good farms and farmers are found there at the present time. Mr. 
George Carpenter, a great grandson of the deacon lives in one of them. 

Pork Lane received its name lu'causi' from days immemorial the people 
have inclined to pork and beans, which the housewives all up and down 
its borders are said to excel in preparing. In 1783 Stephen Ingalls came to 
Cheshire with his jiarents. He grew up here aiid his name is often seen. 
He raised a large family on a farm at the west of Cheshire, and his sons 
and daughters have been among the substantial families of the town. Some 
of his sons are living on fine farms, some interested in manufacturing, others 
in buying and selling dairies. Capt. Darius Bucklin was a man of note in 
town. The Lincolns, too, settled at New Providence, early, and lived upon 
the farm and in the house which was the stopping place for stages when 
first put upon the road. David Dunnell of Stafford's Hill was a soldier that 
the town may well be proud of. He joined the regular army, served through 
the entire revolutionary war, and received his discharge in 1783 signed by 
Washington's own hand. 

With the return of peace in 1783, the outlook was a sorry one for the 
men of New England. All private affairs had been sadly neglected through- 
out the colonial conflict, all business was disarranged, buildings had fallen 
into decay, and the farms into neglect, debts had been contracted, interest 
piled upon interest, towns were involved by the large quota of men jn'o- 
vided, and for whose maintenance they were held responsible, crops had 
failed and famine stalked in at their doors, add to all these the consolidated 
debt of the State, and it is not difficult to see that millions of dollars stared 
them in the face, with no sale for their produce, and a rapidly depreciating- 
paper currency. 

The Berkshire men were honest and sturdy ; but how were they to pay 
these debts, and at the same time keep absolute starvation from their wives 
and babes ? Impossibilities cannot be accomplished, and when the laws 
admitted of the seizing of their crops and cattle for the payment of these 
debts, groups of men gathered, " under the rose," refused to pay their taxes, 
and threatened to overthrow the government which, but a little while ago 
they were willing to lay down their lives for. Unduly influenced by false 
leaders what wonder that they should in a moment of desperation fail to see 
the folly and mischief involved in the insurrection of Daniel Shays ? 



60 HISTORY OF CHESHIKE. 

It is true, that a few men from these settlements joined the disaffected, 
and followed their fortunes until after considerable skirmishing and some 
fighting, the insurgents were disbanded. Some of the leading spirits were 
held for punishment, and a few condemned to death, although afterward 
pardoned. However, those engaged were filled with terror, and feared the 
worst in case they should be arrested. Hearing that officers were in town 
searching for the rebels some of the guilty men hastened to a house on Pork 
Lane where lived a resolute, cool-headed man, who was a sympathizer with 
the insurrectionists. Considering the attempt to escape from town too 
hazardous, the old man, Jessie Mason, conducted them to the kitchen, and 
removing some bricks from an oven that had passed into disuse concealed 
the Tories there until the search and excitement was over. This house is 
now occupied by Mr. Leroy Northrop. 

Two others fled to the Hoosac mountains hoping in the fastnesses to find 
shelter and security. There was a driving autumnal storm that night, the 
wind was piercing, and the wanderers suffered from the severe cold. Ap- 
proaching a hut that had been used by mountain choppers they entered, 
built a fire on the hearth, propped up the door to keep out the Avind and 
snow, they lay down upon the floor before the fire, and weary with their 
long tramp soon fell into a deep sleep. The fire burned low, some charcoal 
- had been used in its construction, and the fumes of the dying flames in the 
tigbt apartment generated a poison that filled the air, and days after the 
poor fellows were found suffocated. 

During the year 1779, the New Providence people were anxious to annex 
themselves to the town of Adams. Several meetings were called, and the 
subject considered. There appears to have been decided "pros" and ((uite 
as many "cons," for there were meetings and meetings where lively, s])irited 
debates were held ; but they all ended in discussion, and the folks went 
home. The fact of the union seemed to be substantiated because the 
dwellers on Stafford's Hill dated their letters at Adams, all deeds after this 
time were made out at Adams, and the church on New Providence Hill was 
referred to as the First Baptist churcli of Adams, beside the significant fact 
that all votes were cast at that village. After much eager search, at last, 
through the appreciative interest and care of Mr. Joseph Northrop, Town 
Clerk of Cheshire, an old paper, yellowed by time, and creased with mani- 
fold foldings, was unearthed which proved to be the veritable document, the 
legal instrument by which Stafford's Hill was added to the town of Adams. 
Lest this paper may go a straying during the coming hundred years, and 
journey too far to be reclaimed by the searcher after antiquarian lore at 
that period a verbatim copy is given below: 

" Be it therefore enacted by the Council, and House of Representatives in General 



FROM 1777—1787. 61 

Court assembled and by the authority of the same, that the plantation called New 
Providence, in the county of Berkshire, together with the inhabitants thei-eon l)e, and 
hereby is annexed to, and incorporated with the town of Adams, and that said plan- 
tation with the inhabitants thereon shall be considered as belonging to said town of 
Adams provided nevertheless that the said inhabitants shall pay their proportionable 
part of all taxes which are already assessed, and levied on said plantation as hereto- 
fore; anything in this act notwithstanding; and be it further enacted by the authority 
aforesaid that the account of the estate contained in said plantation, and the polls 
thereon returned by the assessors of said plantation in the valuation list taken be set 
to the town of Adams." 

This act passed April lOtli, 1780. 

In 1786, the New Providence people built a new meeting house on the 
top of Stafford's Hill, because the busy village was located there. On either 
side of the long street were houses and stores and it seemed ap})ropriato that 
the meeting house should be in their midst. The old building down the 
northern sloj^e, hard by the present burying ground, was then converted into 
a dwelling house and moved to the glebe farm where it still stands in good 
repair and condition, 

John Wells, who came up from Ehode Island with his wife and baby, and 
all of his earthly possessions on the old gray mare, took up, first, the land 
now known as the Bennet farm. They hired a man and horse to help 
break the land and clear the trees, the days were very busy ones, and when 
-evening came, Mr. Wells sat down and made a pair of shoes, and his wife 
sat by his side and made a pair of pants. The price commanded for the 
shoes and the pants paid for the use of the horse and the man through the day. 

In 1780, Joseph Bennet who had taken up the land now belonging to 
the Wells' farm, traded with Uncle John who moved on to it ; which 
farm has always been the home of the Wells family since 1780. The pres- 
ent house was erected about 1768, and is one of the most ancient houses of 
the town, but has always been kept in such perfect repair that one scarcely 
notes the record of time. It still stands one's ideal of an old New England 
farm house with its low walls, its long front entered by three doors, its 
dormer windows from which one has a charming view of the winding Hoosac, 
the distant village, the large reservoir shimmering in the sunshine, while 
in the far distance the mountains of Southern Berkshire loom up in dreamy 
indistinctness. The fifth generation is living in it now, and in every one 
has been a John Wells. The present Mrs. John Wells is a granddaughter 
of Henry Tibbits of Bennington fame. The first land cleared by him was 
on Mount Amos, and it was there he was felling trees on the 14th of August 
when his wife went out to carry him the musket. Nathan and Daniel 
Wood are two more pioneers who came at an early date. They were brothers 
and settled at Lanesborough. The land and homes upon which they settled 



62 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

have been bequeathed from generation to generation to their descendants. 
Both ISTathan and Daniel were at Bennington. Mrs. Daniel Wood took the 
farm work from the hands of her husband, finished the unploughed furrow, 
tended to the crops, milked the cows, and made the cheese. New houses 
have been put up on these farms. 

The Medad King Inn, and the gambrel roofed house under the elms were 
built the same year as the Wells' homestead, 1768. The wife of William 
Jacques came from Windsor at an early day. She lived upon a small farm 
on the slope of Stafford's Hill, just before reaching the David Bowen place. 
There she kept a store and reared her children. William Jacques, a son. 
lived upon the hill all of his life. His son, Herbert Jacques^, resides upon 
the Bowen farm, a portion of which he owns, it having been divided in its 
sale. This family boasts a Coat of Arms, which makes four in town thus 
distinguished. They are descendants of John Hancock. 

John Chase was a pioneer who settled on Pork Lane. He belonged to an 
old English family and his descendants have been notified that a large for- 
tune is lying still for them in London. Some members of the American 
Chase family, gifted with legal lore, have given attention to the matter, and 
become convinced that there is money there, however, they fear that more 
money will require to be raised on this side the Atlantic, than is locked up 
for them on the other, before they could secure any legal movement. 



CHAPTER III. 



FROM 1787 1797. 



ABOLISHED CUSTOMS. MOSES WOLCOTT'S TAVERN. DISSENSION FROM THE 
SIX PRINCIPLE CHURCH. ELDER LELAND. BRICK SCHOOL HOUSE BUILT. 
INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF CHESHIRE. FIRST TOWN OFFICERS. 
BUILDING OF CHURCH. LAYING OUT A BURIAL GROUND. JESSE JENKS. 
EDWARD MARTIN. DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES. ANECDOTES OF CAPT. 
BROWN AND FAMILY. DR. JENKS. DR. GUSHING. INNOCULATION FOR 
SMALL POX. HOLDING OF SLAVES. THE DARK DAY. THE BLISS AND 
SOUTHWARD FARMS. 

The ^yar of the revolution well over, and the colonists established on a 
ground of an assured freedom, they renounced many manners and customs 
that they had brought with them from the mother country, and which 
were odious to them simply because they were used by a royal government. 

One of the laws entered upon the statute books during this decade was: 
"All drivers required to turn to the right as the law directs." In opjDosi- 
tion to the left, as the English law demanded. The custom of wearing 
mourning for the dead was for the time laid aside, and that of presenting 
gloves, a scarf, or ring, to servants and bearers that had been handed down 
from generation to generation, and kept intact in the colonies, was now dis- 
carded never again to be revived. Because of their bitterness toward any- 
thing tending to a one man power, democratic ideas gained a strong root. 
Taxes were high, it is true, but their own representatives levied them, and 
the people soon ceased to murmur, while under the guidance of a stronf 
administration they were fairly launched upon that wave of prosperity 
which could noi? be foretold, and is still at high tide. 

In 1790, Moses Wolcott, or "Little Moses," as he was familiarly known 
on account of his extreme "smallness of stature, was keeping store in the 
house afterwards owned by Sally Heath. In 1795, he built the house at 
the head of the long main street in Cheshire, now occupied by Mr. F. F. 
Petitclerc, and opened it as an inn. A tall sign post, forty feet high, an- 
nounced to travelers that here were furnished refreshments for man and 
beast. The width of a driveway from the stone door-steps, a row of an- 
cient, Lombardy poplars stood. Within was a broad hall running directly 
through the hotise. On the south side was the best room with a dining- 



64 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

room at tlie rear. On the north was the bar room and beyond that, the 
kitchen. In all four rooms were immense fire places. In one half of the 
upper floor the partitions were so arranged that they could be swung up 
and hooked to the ceiling, thus displaying a large hall for dancing. A wing 
extending to the north of the house was used by Mr. A^iolcottas a store, and 
from the stone door steps a long platform stretched along the entire length 
of inn and store. A brass door knocker, highly polished, shone as the rays 
of the sun danced through the branches of the poplar trees upon it, and the 
queer little diamond paned windows overlooked the drive way. In the yard 
at the side, country door-yard plants nodded against the windows, and in the 
garden beyond, were patches of fennel and caraway and a grassy rim where 
currant bushes stood like a hedge. A regular, old fashioned, characteristic 
inn of New England, wearing an air of precise respectability which clung to 
it way down to old age. Equally characteristic was the low store where all 
kinds of barter was carried on, cash, butter, cheese, and eggs taken in trade. 
" Good morning, Mr. Wolcott,'' said a wag approaching the counter, 
having a pail over which was tied a snowy cloth as though it was heavily 
loaded. " What's butter worth to-day/' supposing the man had butter to 
sell Mr. Wolcott replied, naming a price two cents below his selling mark. 
" Well I don't care if I take twenty pounds," said the wag, as he demurely 
handed over the pail to be filled. Fairly beaten for once, the merchant 
filled the order, but he no doubt remembered that customer. Here Mr. 
Wolcott amassed a large fortune in lands and money. He married early in 
life, Olive Eussell who died young, leaving one daughter Laura. Freelove 
Burton was the second wife of Moses Wolcott who through the long years 
of their life together was a most excellent helpmeet. She made cheese and 
butter, managed the kitchen and home affairs, sold goods at the counter of 
the little store, and mixed flip at the bar for the many customers. All prod- 
uce, of which cheese was the staple, was carried by teamsters to ''The 
River" at Troy or some other point where it was sent by sloop to market in 
New York City, and this inn was a convenient halting place for the drivers 
to water their horses, and step into the cosy bar room to test Aunt Free- 
love's flip before setting out for the tedious ride over the western mountains. 
One day in the busy season when home, and store and tavern were all in 
her hands, while Moses was absent supervising the works on his many farms, 
Freelove sold, among other things a teapot. The iiame of the customer who 
bought it was already on the book and he wished the teapot added to the 
list. In the hurry, and flurry, and many calls for her in the same moment, 
Freelove forgot to make a minute of it, and when at night the thrifty woman 
remembered that it was to be charged, she had entirely forgotten who it 
was that bought it. 



FKOM 1787—1797. • 65 

In vain she puzzled her brains, in vain she appealed to Moses to help her, 
his only reply being, "I snore! I snore! Freelove, you sold the teapot, you 
must get the pay." 

With no idea of losing the price of the teapot, Freelove at last hit upon 
this device. She charged the article to every person whose name was entered 
on the store books. As tliey dropped in to settle, from time to time, it was 
presented to each in turn. When the surprised customer looked up from 
the book with the words, "Teapot! why I never had a teapot here." Free- 
love would say with the utmost coolness, '''Didn't you? we'll just cross it out 
then." As she approached the bottom of the list she was rewarded by find- 
ing one who made no objection to the teapot, and with a sigh of relief she 
made the change, aud crossed it off for the last time. 

Uncle Moses and Aunt Freelove lie on the sunny hillside that overlooks 
their liome, and the scenes of their earthly life. The lands they left are still 
in possession of their descendants; but the wheel goes around and not far 
in the future, us it requires no prophetic pen to tell, strangers will tread 
the fields and sit by tlie board, while the name of Wolcott, so long a jiart of 
the town, will be a memory. 

In the early part of the year 1789, Elder Nathan Mason, with a number 
of his brethren, dissented from the strictness of the Six Principle plan, and 
formed a new church of their own called the Second Lanesborough church. 
We give here a fac simile letter of remonstrance from the old church to 
their dissenting brothers, also one from the dissenters, requesting the use 
of the Pork Lane meeting house to worship God in after the manner they 
had newly adopted, and the answer given to them by the sorrowing parent 
church. Quaint documents of a generation of men that have passed away, 
they are brown and old, whispering of a century gone, with their long S's, 
their scratches and their ink spots: 

From the Second Baptist ch to the old Baptist ch in Lanesborough. Under the 
sense of your Holding the Right of the Meetinghouse We Pray you to Let Us Know 
Wheue you Can grant us the Previledg of Meeting in the House to worship god Agree- 
able to the Dictates of Our Couciences as a chh. 

Lanesborough, August the 26, A. D. 1790. 
Sind By Order and in Behalf of the Church, Squike Munro, Church Clerk. 

Lanesborough, Aug. 26, 1790. 
The Old Baptist Church in Lanesborough to the new Baptist church in the same 
Town sendeth greeting. Li answer to your request which we received this day, we 
say — that inasmuch as you have left the Meeting house of your own accord, we have 
determined to keep up publick worship in the meeting house ourselves, on the first 
day of the week, begining at the usual hours that have been heretofore reserved for 
publick worship — also on the last thursday in every month we reserve for our Church 
meeting. 



66 HISTOKY OF CHESHIRE. 

At other times when you have a mind to meet in our meeting house, either for 
pubUck worship or for other meetings of business, we are free and willing that you 
should have the use of it to improve as you shall see meet. Furthermore we are wil- 
ling and desirous that Elder Mason would meet with us and improve with us when- 
ever we shall be distitute of other gifts which the Church wants to improve, — and 
there is freedom and room for all of you to come and hear, — and further we mean to 
invite foreign ministers of good Character to improve in publick with us, and allow 
liberty for you to appoint meetings in our Meeting house for Elder Werden or any 
foreign minister of Character to meet in at any time hereafter, excepting the afore- 
said times herein reserved by us for our publick worship and Church Meetings. 
By order and in behalf of the Said Church. 

James Barker, Chh Clerk. 
At a meeting of the standing Baptist Church met in their Meeting-House in Lanes- 
borough on the 12th of March, A. D. 1789. Voted and agreed unanimously that our 
Brethren Jesse Mason, Barnard Mason, Hezekiah Mason, and those other Brethren 
who have sepparated themselves from the standing Bajjtist chui'ch in Lanesborough, 
be admonished to repentance for their hasty and unwarrantable sepparation from the 
Church and causing Divisions, and appointed that committee to write a letter of 
Admonition to said Brethren and to Deliver it to them at their Meeting appointed to 
be held here at our Meeting house on the 2()th Instant. 

We the Subscribers being met together for the purpose aforesaid to our beloved 
Brethren abovesaid send greeting. 

Dearly Beloved Brethren, it is with much grief and heaviness of heart that we have 
occasion to undertake in this matter, but in faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ, 
we must hereby inform you that we do look upon it that you have sinned against God 
in your hasty sepparation from your Brethren and causing divisions in the Church. 
And we do hereby in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in behalf of the Church 
admonish you to repent of your aforesaid conduct and return again to your Brethren 
and place in the church from which you have swerved. 

Signed by order and in behalf of the Church by 

James Barker, l 

Aaron Semans, ! ^.^ ...^„ 

William Cornell; f Committee. 
Nathan Wood, J 

Elder Nathan Mason held his place as pastor among the flock that thus 
separated from the First Lanesborough church in 1789, holding services in 
private houses ; or in the Pork Lane meeting house by the courtesy of the 
First church. 

During the year 1792, Elder John Leland came to Berkshire. He was then 
in the prime and heyday of his life, and ever after this year his name was 
interwoven with the history of the town. In 1793 he was associated with 
Elder Mason in the care of his new church, and because the latter was grow- 
ing aged and infirm of health, Elder Leland became the more active pastor 
of the two. Full of physical vigor, eager in the work he had accepted as 
his own peculiar mission, he threw his whole soul into the religious efforts 
of the time, as well as the political with which he became connected in Vir- 
ginia. A wonderful growth in both numbers and influence seemed to at- 



FEOM 1787—1797. 67 

tend this favored church. In 1789, when it first seceded there were 44 
memljers, and in 1793, 163 names were written on the pages of its book, a 
gain of more than three times its original number in four years. Whether 
another rehiy from the church of the Six Principles was won by the gentle 
character and great godliness of Elder Mason to come over to his church — 
no one can tell. Whether a large revival gave the increase, there is no one 
left to say. It is certain, however, that the church on Pork Lane disappeared 
from view, and they who would chronicle its history to-day seek in vain for 
positive knowledge as to just how it vanished. No man knoweth aught of 
its last congregation, or the speaker who addressed it. Its site is pointed 
out where now the meadow grasses wave. The old building converted as 
early as 1800, into a dwelling, and at a later date into a barn, has fallen to 
decay and no vestige remains. 

One more backward glance upon the quaint church may be of interest, 
one look at a letter written in that far-away time shows that the hand that 
penned and the brain that guided were those of a gentleman and a scholar, 
and loads to the conclusion that the disaffection might have rested with the 
dissenting l)rethren, while great caution and wisdom seemed to govern the 
church in its councils, represented as they are in this letter by their clerk, 
James Barker. 

Hidden beneath the pertinent questions asked, and the somewhat gratui- 
tous advice given in the last paragraph, one may, perhaps, detect a gentle 
and wholesome reproof, and smile at the manner in which it is given. The 
writer, aftei" referring to a shameful, and reproachful treatment, received 
from one of the departing brothers. Deacon Daniel Irish, who had broken 
covenant with the church proper, goes on to say: 

"We do not get satisfaction concerning the stumbling blocks mentioned. We ask 
you to own that you do not fellowship said Irish in his conduct. It certainly appears 
to us that you are acting designedly, rather than ignorantly, as you pretend. What 
did you mean by calling a council in the name of the church ? What did you mean 
by publicly assuming to publish your church meetings in our church meeting 
days ? and in our meeting house, taking possession in the name of the church? What 
could you mean by sending Deacon Irish to take lead in our meetings without 
consulting us, and what by calling our brother Dean to account to you at your meet- 
ings for his conduct '? and furthermore, did you not tell our messengers at your pre- 
tended church meeting that they were not anybody, and were not looked upon as any- 
body ? Can it be possible that this was all done, as you claim, through ignorance, 
and with no design to disannul the Baptist church ? If you are, indeed, thus ignorant, 
you should be exceedingly caitiiows kow you undertake to take upon yourselves the lead 
in matters of consequence. We have treated you as brethren — we still intend to do 
so, but we are not satisfied in the above matters, and ask you to take the above 
stumbling-blocks from our pathway." 

James Bakkek, Clerk. 



G8 HISTORY OP CHESHIRE. 

Here the story ends. Whether Deacon Irish was sent again to minister 
to them in holy things without their consent, whether the stumbling 
blocks were eventually removed, so liringing them all over into the new 
church — minus the Sixth Principle — or whether the dissenters ever occu- 
pied the Pork Lane church again, we are entirely unable to state, for here 
the record ends, and the church with its Sixth Principle drops out of the 
history of Cheshire. 

In 1792 the brick school house was built on the hill opposite the present 
church. The spot upon which it stood, with the play ground surrounding 
it, was a gift to the towu from Squire Ezra Barker. It was a square struct- 
ure, with windows on three sides. Between the two south windows was an 
elevated platform upon which was a high desk for the teacher's own use. 
On either side of his desk, and extending across to the adjoining corners 
thence around the room were three tiers of benches, known as the back seat, 
the middle seat, "and the low one. Entering school in this building, as many 
children did at three years of age, they were promoted as they grew in statr 
ure, from year to year until they finally attained to the dignity of the 
highest seat, the only gradation that this school knew. In summer a 
lady taught the children of the hamlet. In winter, when the large boys 
and girls came to the new school house, a master handled the ferule, 
made the (juill pens, taught Webster's elementary from B-a-ba, ker-ker. 
Baker, to incompatibility, and ciphered with the big boys through the 
"Eule of Three.'' 

In this building the town meetings were held after 1793, and attention 
given largely to highways, bridges, and schools. It is scarcely possible at 
this late era to follow all of these roads, and the changes that have taken 
place. Such a course would require the services of a civil engineer, and 
even then the undertaking would be fraught with extreme difficulty, would 
fill of itself an ordinary history, and be dull reading at last. Streams were 
bridged, and roads improved as time and travel demanded that they should 
be. The money being api^ropriated for the use of schools, districts were 
laid out, and school buildings erected as rapidly as the population made 
them necessary. 

In 1793, the subject of incorporating a town, that should comprise an 
area of 1,800 acres taken from the adjoining towns, was much agitated. 
The first record that we find is headed ''Concerning the town of Cheshire 
being incorporated:" 

"We the subscribers do hereby Covenant, Promise, and engage to each advance the 
several sums of money to wliich our names are herein sit towards paying the charges 
of the Committee appointed by the General Court and to see the money jjaid in to the 
Clerk for that purpose by the fiist Monday in September next." 



3s. 


paid 


Jon. Ilemington, 


18s. 


paid 


2s. 6d 


. paid 


Elisha Brown, 


12s. 


paid 


4s. Gd 


. paid 


Daniel Brown, 


18s. 


paid 


4s. 


paid 


John Remington, 


4s. 


paid 


Os. 


paid 


Timothy Mason, 


6s. 


paid 


3s. 


paid 


Moses Wolcott, 


6s. 


paid 


6s. 


paid 


Levi Mason, 


4s. 




3s. 


paid 


Aaron Seemans, 


6s. 


paid 


6s. 


paid 


Brooks Mason, 


6s. 


paid 


6s. 


paid 


Daniel Coman, 


6s. 


paid 


3s. 


paid 


Peleg Green, 


3s. 


paid 


10s. 




Perley Phillips, 


Is. 


6d. 


4s. 


paid 


Samuel Bliss. 


2s. 


paid 


3s. 


paid 


Asahel Potter, 


2s. 


paid 


4s. 




Paifus Carpenter, 




paid 


6s. 


paid 









FROM 1787—1797. 69 

Wardwell Green, 
Benj. Brown, 
Daniel Bidellcome, 
Allen Briggs, 
James Barker, 
Harmon Briggs, 
Calvin Hall, 
Samuel W. Church, 
Moses Perkins, 
Darius Bucklin, 
Squire Munroe, 
Jon. Ricliardson, Jr., 
Nicholas Brown, 
William Whitaker, 
William Brown, 
Hezekiah Mason, 

At a meeting of a number of the Inhabitants belonging to Adams, Lanesborough, 
Windsor and New Ashford, petitioners to be incorporated with a township being met 
together at the new Brick School-House in Lanesborough on the 7th day of August, 
1792, to consider of what is necessary further to be done to forward the prayer of the 
Petition, Harmon Briggs, Esq., was chosen moderator and James Baker clerk. Voted 
that we will have a committee of nine men appointed to wait upon the committee ap- 
pointed by the General Court to meet at Col. Remington's on the first Monday of Sep- 
tember next. Voted that the following men be appointed a Committee: Jonathan 
Remington, Esq., Capt. Daniel Brown, James Bai-ker, Esq., Elisha Brown, Seth Jones, 
Allen Briggs, Timothy Mason, Daniel Coman, Capt. Darius Bucklin. Voted that a 
subscription be made to raise money to defray the expenses of the Court's Committee, 
and that the money be paid to the clerk by the time the committee meet. Voted 
that the meeting be adjourned to the second Monday in September next to do wliat 
other business may be regularly there to be done. 

£ s. d. 

Paid the committee in wages $3 each , 1 16 

Paid Col. Remington's expenses, 2 7 6 

Paid Asa Wilmarth $8 for going to Lenox 
Paid Dr. Golt $8 wanting Sd., 
Orders paid John Burchet, 

7 4 4 

At a meeting of the petitioners for a new town, met at the Brook School-House in 
Lanesborough on the 22d day of October, 171)2. Lieut. Timothy Mason was chosen 
Moderator and James Barker clerk. Voted to appoint a committee of three to in- 
sjject into the outlines of said township and make such bounds and movements as 
they see necessary and make the out bounds as explicit as they can, in order to be 
laid before the General Court. Voted that .James Barker, Esq., and Brooks Mason 
and Jonathan Fish and Hezekiah Mason and Elisha Brown be a committee for that 
purpose. Voted to appoint Capt. Daniel Brown agent, to repair to Boston to prose- 
cute the matter aforesaid at the General Court. Voted to adjourn this meeting for 
two weeks, then to meet at this place at 3 o'clock p. m. November 5th, 1792, met 
according to adjournment. Voted that our agent move to have our town Incorpo- 
rated by the name of Vernum, and that we nominate Col. Remington to issue his 
warrant to call the town together. 



4 


3 


6 


2 


7 


4 





5 


6 



70 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

History is silent as to the reasons for changing the name from Vernnm 
to Cheshire in the final decision; but tradition says that it was because 
the town was developing into so fine a grazing and dairying country 
like Cheshire in England. In March 1793 the grant was actually given, 
and Cheshire was a town. The form was very irregular, turning and wind- 
ing, and twisting its border line until twenty-three corners are counted in 
its circuit. For what reason this zig-zag course is taken it seems difficult 
to say. Some logical person claims that the Baptist proclivities were so 
strong that it was deemed wise to rule out all of a contrary faith, therefore 
the surveyor was bidden to set his compass, and run his chain in a way to 
exclude all pedobaptist farmers. While, perhaps, one would not like to risk 
his veracity on this statement, the fact remains that the farm of Medad 
King was the only one I'etained belonging to a Presbyterian. The geograph- 
ical center of the town came in this farm atid regularly, in rain or shine, the 
horses of Mr. King went over the mountain on Sunday morning carrying 
the family to the Presbyterian church at Lanesborough. The following is 
the warrant for the first town meeting held in the new town. 

Berkshire, ss. To Peleg G-reen, lately of Laaesborougli, within the said county of 
Berkshire, gentlemen, greeting: Whereas the Great and General Court of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts, began and liolden at Boston on the last Wednesday of Jan- 
uary, A. D., 1793, did incorporate a partof the town of Adams, Lanesborough, Windsor 
and New Ashford into a Township by the name of Cheshire, and^ appointed me the 
subscriber to call on the Inhabitants of the said lucorporatioa qualified to vote in 
Town affairs, to meet together at some suitable place, within the bounds thereof, to 
choose Town Officers and other matters necessary to be done at said meeting. There 
are therefore in the name and by order of the said Commonwealth to require you 
forthwith to notify the said Inhabitants to meet together at the Brick School-House 
near Moses WoUcott's jn the said town of Cheshire on the first Monday of April next, 
at ten of the clock in the forenoon for the purposes above mentioned. Also notify the 
Inhabitants qualified to vote for Governor, Lieut. Governor, Councellor and Senators, 
that that is the time by order of law to vote for said offices. Also the time appointed 
by the Great and General Court for the choice of Representations for the second Dis- 
trict and for the County of Hampshire to set in the Congress of the United States of 
America. 

N. B. — You are to take notice to warn all those Inhabitants qualified as aforesaid liv- 
ing in what is called New Providence, which once belonged to the said town of Adams, 
also those which belonged to Lanesborough and New Ashford; all east of the top of 
Saddle Mountain, as far south as to Pitts Barker's south line; from thence eastward of 
said line of Lotts to Muddy Brook, thence all east of said brook as far south as to in- 
clude Stephen Whipple, and Isaac Ilorton, and Brooks Mason and Edward Wood, and all 
northward of Brooks Mason's south line straight, to Wmdsor line, and in Windsor as 
far south and east as to Include William Felsliaw and Mr. Burch, and William Whita- 
ker so from said Birch's east line to the north line of said Windsor. Hereof fail not 
and make due return of this warrant with your doings therein unto my self before 
the opening of said Meeting. Given under my hand and seal at Cheshire aforesaid the 
16th day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1793, 

James Barker, Just, of Peace. 



FROM 1787—1707. 71 

April 1st, 1793. — At a town meeting held in the brick school house, Col. 
Jonatlian Remington was chosen moderator; James Barker, town clerk; 
Elisha Brown, town treasurer; Jonathan Richardson, Jr., Daniel Brown 
and Timothy Mason, selectmen; Peckham Barker, constable, and to collect 
rates for sixpence on a pound; Jonathan Richardson, Jr., Daniel Brown, 
Timothy Mason, Ilezekiah Mason and William Jenkins, assessors; Daniel 
Mason and John Bennet, fence viewers. Indeed it seemed that almost 
every man had an appointment. Benjamin Brown and Jonathan Fish were 
chosen to view the fences and as field drivers. In 1794, the town voted to allow 
James Barker ISs. for his services as town clerk. Query: did James Barker 
make his fortune ? Ilezekiah Mason, John Remington, sealers of leather; 
?^athan Wood and Daniel Read, hog reeves; Daniel Brown and Daniel Biddle- 
come, pound keepers. May 27th 1703, voted to raise £50 for the support of a 
school or schools. School money divided among children under twenty-one. 
' From 1793 the history of Cheshire as a town begins. In 1794 at the four 
corners upon the brow of the hill over which the valley road runs, a common 
was given by two land owners in the town, Capt. Daniel Brown and Squire 
Ezra Barker, and upon the common a lot to the Baptist church of Cheshire 
where was erect'ed a commodious belfry crowned edifice which was dedicated 
on Christmas day, 1794. ''What shall we do when doctors disagree," is a 
trite old question that has passed into a proverb, and applies equally well to 
the historian. We arc met by conflicting statements concerning the names, 
by which the various Baptist churches have been known. The Stafford's Hill 
church is recognized by common consent as the First church. After the or- 
ganization of the town in 1793, the Six Principle church seems according 
to some, to be known as the Second church, and the dissenting members 
after the erection of their house of worship took the name of the Third 
church, while yet another going out at a later period was called Elder 
Sweet's church. Another class of writers either ignore the Six Principle or 
continue to speak of it as the " Second Lanesborough" thus giving the Sec- 
ond Cheshire to the dissenters, and the Third Cheshire to Elder Sweet's 
flock. As there seems to be about equal authority, we choose the former 
plan, and shall speak of the church at Cheshire corners as the Third Ches- 
hire church. The building erected in 1704 was a roomy one. Two massive 
doors at the west admitted the church goers into a large square vestibule 
formed by the tower. A smaller door to the south opened into the same 
entrance room. Wide winding stairs went up on the north end of this hall 
to the gallery above, a gallery which encircled 'the audience room on three 
siiles. In this gallery directly in front of the pulpit, were the seats occupied 
by the singers, before them the red moreen curtains hung on brass rings, and 
swung from a brass rod. Entering at the lower door a broad aisle led up (u 



72 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

the high pulpit, a long, narrow crooked flight of stairs terminated in the 
square structure thus designated. Upon the scarlet cushion, studded thick 
as stars, with brass nails, rested the Bible and hymn book, a cushioned seat 
accommodated the preacher who, if a short man, was compelled to stand on 
a cricket to bring his head above the railing of .the desk. High upon the 
wall behind him was suspended the great sounding board, while far below, 
and just in front was the narrow, box-like seat designed for the deacons, 
the table before it where the communion service was spread and Avhcre, 
with the heavy pall sweeping the floor, the coffin, with the dead, stood dur- 
ing sermon and prayer. Two aisles, with pews on either side ended in the 
row of seats at the right and left of the pulpit. One can scarcely say to 
what style of architecture this building belonged. Fluted pillars supported 
the galleries, and were placed at equal intervals throughout the audience 
room. The pews were square with sides so high that a child could neither 
see, or be seen when seated within the inclosure. A grown person could look 
about from pulpit to gallery, and upon the pews of his neighbors. A door 
that opened upon the aisle was closed and fastened with a wooden button, 
cushions and carpets were rare. The seats ran around three sides of the 
square pew, and stowed away in the corner with head leaned comfortably 
against the high back, this was a favorable position for a nap. 

When Elder Leland of saintly memory in his vicinity, first began his 
labors he found that to some, who had arisen at an early hour, milked their 
cows, made their cheese, and driven through the hot sun for miles to at- 
tend service, the temptation to a quiet snooze could not be overcome. This 
troubled the good Elder, and he longed to break it up. One day when he 
noticed the boys in the gallery striving to drop a white bean fastened to a 
string into the wide open mouth of a sleeper below he could endure it no 
longer. Catching the big pulpit bible in his hands, he rapped with tremen- 
dous force upon the desk — three successive blows fell — each louder than the 
preceding, and calling the sleeper by name, he shouted intones like thunder, 
'" wake up! wake up!" This had the desired efllect, and they were few indeed 
who cared to indulge in a nap under Elder Leland's preaching. The boys 
usually occupied the south gallery, and it became advisable to seat one of the 
deacons on the high seat that they might be under his watchcare. The pews 
in the main part were owned by the proprietors according to the aid given 
in building. 

Oh, the summer Sundays in that old church! Within the cool shade of 
those sacred walls the golden sunbeams poured through the windows with 
their countless panes of glass, falling in dusty beams over pews, and pulpit 
stairs, the breezes loaded with the perfume of rose and apple blossoms stole 
in at door and open window, lifting the snowy locks from ofP the pastor's 



FROM 1787—1797. 73 

brow, fluttering the leaves of the oj^en books, gently moving to and fro the 

red bandiina of a good, old deacon Avhose failing health caused him to fear 
the draft. The prayer, the psalm, tlie text, the sprigs of dill and lavender. 
The tunes. Old Hundred, Meer, Balerma, and "Shepherds all sitting on the 
ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shown around." One 
might almost liear the rings slide on the rod and the tuning fork as Brother 
Brown pitched the tune, even the humming runs along the car as the tenor, 
treble and counter, each in turn, caught the note as it fell from the fork, 
and with a fa-sol-la swelled into tune. They stood in a line, from the bass to 
the fair haired girl that sung alto at the end of the row, and whose voice, 
growing sweeter with every bar, swept from choir to breathless pew, and 
filled every corner of the great room. Morning and afternoon services were 
held in this church, and people coming from a distance brought their own 
dinners, unfastened their horses from the vehicles, gave them their noonday 
meal of corn and oats, then walked with measured tread up and down the 
wayside, loitered amid the graves in the burying ground close by, or stood 
apart in little knots talking in low mysterious tones, discussing the crops, 
the weather, perhaps the latest bit of gossip and sometimes, a group of two 
or three gray-haired men and women sat by tlie western church door and 
lighted their pipes by the sun glass. 

This church joined the Shaftsbury association in 1789, and continued 
increasing in so rapid a ratio that in 1800 it numbered 394 members. Elder 
Leland remained its associate pastor until 1797. Revivals in Cheshire and 
surrounding towns kept up large congregations in the, then new meeting 
house, and at each returning conference meeting one or more was added as 
members to the church. But the days of blessing passed away, and as a 
more worldly feeling obtained leading members in the church sometimes 
indulged in strong language, and bitter invectives toward one another. Each 
one was willing to draw the reins of church discipline tightly and strongly 
around every member but himself. As Elder Leland beheld this, and met 
them around the table of the Lord, it pained him. He had never, under the 
most favor-able circumstances, enjoyed the Lord's Table and now it grew 
irksome, and trying to him, but what was he to do with these somewhat 
refractory members? Tliey were people of high respectability, of unques- 
tioned position in both church and society, and were furthermore among 
his most intimate friends and neighbors. So, resolving to remember his 
own short comings, he would try to be forbearing with the faults of others. 
However he was notable to overcome the feeling and in August, 1797, he 
left Cheshire to travel and preach in the south, and never afterwards as- 
sumed the pastoral care of the Cheshire church so far as the breaking of 
bread was concerned. 



74 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

When the country was still new the dead were often buried on the home 
farm beneath the shade of some tree, on the bank of some murmuring brook, 
in a secluded sjjot convenient for the friends to visit. Many of these burial 
places still remain and liave been beautifully described in the pen ]nctures 
of Judge Barker. But soon after the building of the new church in 1794, 
a public burying ground was also laid out across the street^, and farther to 
the north than the meeting house. 

A sexton was secured, provided with a pick ax and shovel, engaged to 
dig the graves, toll the bell, and take charge of the bier and pall. 

It was the custom, then, to toll the bell for the dead, a custom which 
should never be suffered to die out. Whenever a resident in the parish 
died, this passing bell sounded — stroke upon stroke — long and solemn, 
they pealed out over the echoing hills. Sometimes at noon when busy 
with the cares of the day — sometimes in the early morning hours — some- 
times in the dead of night they roused the sleepers to tell them that one 
more of their number had gone out alone to solve the last great mystery. 

The funerals were always attended in the church. Winding over the 
hills, along the quiet roads, the procession slowly toiled as the bell 
intoned the way. After the last hymn, and the benediction, the bier was 
placed upon the lawn before the church door, the coffin put upon and the 
pall thrown over it. In the bright sunshine of summer, or beneath the 
leaden skies of November, all croAvded around for a parting look. The 
last farewell taken, the sexton fastened the coffin lid to its place, the 
bearers took their station by the bier, the procession formed again, and 
with the minister at the head walked to the grave yard where the relatives 
gathered around the open grave, the coffin with its precious freight was 
lowered, shovel after shovel full of earth thrown in, the sods arranged upon 
the top, and then with the final prayer over, all turned away. 

In 1790, sometime during the month of February Jesse Jenks arrived at 
his nephew's house in Adams. He came from Cumberland, R. I., and 
brought with him on horse back as much gold and silver as a man could lift. 
Mr. Jenks purchased the farm opposite the glebe land on Stafford's Hill, 
being attracted to that spot as it was the most thrifty village by all means 
that the vicinity could show. 

In 1791, Mr. Edward Martin came up from Barrington, R. I., reaching 
New Providence also in the month of February. He brought his household 
goods, wife and children, on sleds drawn by oxen. Samuel Martin, known 
so long as Deacon Martin, was six years old at the time of their arrival. 
Mr. Martin bought the farm — which has never passed from the posses- 
sion of the Martins, and is located on the direct road to Adams — of Mrs. 
Hannah Gushing, widow of Caleb Cushing. 



FROM 1787—1797. 75 

Samuel Martin, son of Edward, succeeded his father on this farm. He mar- 
ried Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Mason, and granddaughter of Ehier Nathan 
Mason. Orrin Martin, son of Samuel, lives in the village, and Frank 
Martin, grandson of Deacon Martin owns and manages the original farm. 
The low store built by Moses Wolcott adjoining his inn proved to be a 
leading place of business for many years. As Moses Wolcott increased in 
prosperity he gradually enlarged his operations. In addition to the dairies 
from the many farms he owned he bought those of the surrounding 
farmers. He [)ut up a cheese house just south of his own house, and stored 
the golden })roducts of the farms, tier after tier of cheese, and row after 
row of jars packed with sweet fall butter, which he held until the proper 
time to ship and sell. Other industries developed, a grist-mill was built 
on the brook north of the kitchen. The ruins still stand, the brook laughs 
along its stony bed, tumbles over the white boulders as fresh and young 
as when it turned the wheel, now crumbling away. This Kitchen, a little 
square hollow in the hills with stone steps leading down to it, was so named 
by the first pioneers on account of its form. Like the dwellers among the 
Tyrol mountains in Switzerland, these people at the Kitchen might look up 
from tlie chimneys to see if the cows were coming down the narrow paths. 
Once upon a time, (as all stories begin), there lived in one of these cot- 
tages on the brink of the brook a doctor. Not having a large store of "the 
root of all evil," he could not bestow a generous share uj^on his wife. 
Wishing very much one spring for some money she revolved the wish in 
her mind, again and again, until she decided to sell her hair. It was 
silky, glossy and abundant, it brought a good price, and with the money 
thus obtained, she purchased a lottery ticket and drew a thousand dollars 
which was a vast amount for a woman to own — a large sum, indeed, for 
a man, as men coiinted money then, — when one of these provincial men 
said to a. neighbor one day: 

"If I had a thousand dollars I would be quite willing to die." 
"Why ! why I" said the neighbor, ^'what good would your money do you 
if you were to die ?" 

"Oh, I'd have the name of dying a rich man," 

A large distillery stood where the watering trough beyond G. Z. Dean's 
store now stands, and was managed by Capt. Brown. The iron ore beds on 
the farm of Jesse Mason, (afterwards owned by James Brown) were worked 
extensively -during the year of 1790. The ore was taken to Dalton. 

At the Kitchen, Nathan Wood had a grist and saw-mill, and a little 
later a distillery on the old Lanesborough road near the town line. Over 
in the Jacques neighborhood was a fulling and carding-mill. Peppermint 
was grown quite extensively and the essence manufactured. 



76 HISTORY OE CHESHIRE. 

Captain Daniel Brown erected one of the first frame buildings in town on 
the farm now owned by William A. Pomeroy, and in 1797, wishing to make 
his home at the corners put up the beautiful house where he spent the re- 
mainder of his days, known now as the Hoosac Valley Hotel. An elegant 
place, indeed, it was for any time ; but for those days it must have been 
something very superior. 

Standing on a grassy knoll, a little back from the village street, with 
towering trees to shade it from the sun, it looked, then, upon the level 
meadows of the Hoosac and the mountains beyond, without a house to in- 
terfere until the river was crossed. 

A low red gate gave entrance into the garden, across the street. A 
broad, well beaten path led down the entire length, bordered by beds of 
flowers, masses of mignonette, sweet peas, asphodel and marigolds, while 
sage, fennel, sweet marjoram, thyme and summer savory grew beyond. 
Farther down the garden were thrifty rows of vegetables of every variety 
grown on a gentleman's grounds in this year of grace 188J-. The Kitchen 
Brook which came down from the hill at the rear of the fields, was 
divided and turned by the Captain. Part of its waters flowed on in their 
usual channel, and part were brought in troughs through the fields. The 
brook was thus made to cross the street, into the garden where down its 
entire length it followed an artificial channel. AJl along its banks were 
lilies, fiags, mosses, cresses, and water loving plants in profusion. A 
grassy margin around the outer edge accommodated currant and goose- 
berry bushes, and everywhere grew and bloomed in perfect luxuriance, 
roses of all sorts, from the purest white to rarest red. G-rape vines, plum 
and apple trees flourished there. Between the brook and the house stood 
a cider-mill, and up the banks was a rustic saw-mill surrounded by white 
birch trees. 

The spacious house contained room for children and grandchildren, sis- 
ters, nephews, and nieces, and the poor were not turned empty from the 
door. The Captain's heart responded to every call. To be poor and 
suffering was sufficient passport to his bounty. A man of good, 
practical sense he was fond of a good joke, and many anecdotes 
told of him to-day, give an idea of the sly humor, and the keen enjoy- 
ment experienced when listening to, or perpetrating one. 

When the great cheese of 1803, manufactured of the united curds of the 
town dairies was made in Cheshire, it created quite an excitement through- 
out the country,-and the following fall Captain Brown, and some friend from 
Cheshire, who were traveling up the Mohawk valley, to buy cattle and 
drive them home, stopped each night at some iun along the valley, and 
when the day's work was done, and suppers eaten, they sat in the bar-room 



17R0M 11^87— i^O'J'. 77 

chatting with the farmers and villagers of the neighborhood. Usually the 
conversiition turned upon the mammoth cheese, when it was ascertained 
that the travelnrs were from Cheshire, and the companion of the Captain 
explained all about it very readily, and wound up by saying : 
"Captain Brown and I put in fifty cows' milk." 

The Captain listened to the story night after night, without comment, but 
when he reached home he could not refrain from telling the story where it 
was well known that the Captain put in the milk of forty-nine cows, while 
the friend only added one. 

One gloomy fall night Mrs. Brown sat knitting by the fireside, some 
neighbors had dropped in for a call, and were talking busily of witches as 
they had seen them down country. The children were sitting by, listen- 
ing with eyes wide open, and hearts all a flutter. The Captain was going 
backward and forward, storing his meat in the cellar for winter use, when 
Mrs. Brown, impatient at the hobgoblin tales, said: 

"Here, Captain, I wish you would stop these folks telling witch stories. 
The children will be so frightened they'll run at their own shadows." 

'•'Stop them ?" said the Captain, as he stalked through the room, "if my 
children don't know enough not to believe such trash I'll flog them all 
around." 

It was oue hot day in summer, the village street was almost deserted ; 
the houses were closed, and everything was quiet except before the little 
store of Moses Wolcott, where a band of villagers were gathered in the 
drowsy air, canvassing the weather, and telling stories; when over the hill 
from the north a man appeared on horseback. Slowly advancing he drew rein 
before the men clustered upon the store steps, and after passing the time 
of day, asked if any of them had seen or heard aught of a stray horse. 

All answered in the negative without hesitation until at last Captain Dan- 
iel said, "I can tell you, sir, I think, where you can find your horse." 

The stranger eagerly inquired the way while all the "lookers on in 
Venice," cast looks of questioning wonder upon the Captain, and silently 
waited to hear what he had to say. 

"Well, my good man, you turn right around, and go back until you pass 
Williamstown. Just before reaching Stamford you will see a path leading 
from the main road; take that direction, and follow on. As you advance 
the way will grow narrower, and more uneven, until it will be but little 
more than a bridle path with, here and there a gate, and now and then a 
pair of bars. You will come at last to a little whitewashed hut. In that 
hut you'll find a negro living. That negro has got your horse. Tell him 
that you know he has the animal." 
The man expressed the deepest thanks, and turning, retraced his steps. 



78 StStORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Scarcely was he beyoucl hearing when all with one accord exclaimed: "What 
did you know about the man's horse, Captain BroAvn ?" 

"Nothing," was the quiet reply; ''only I didn't believe that it was off 
down here, and I thought he had better be getting toward home, as night 
was coming down." 

With a little laughing, and joking the matter was dropped, and forgot- 
ten, until when the 16th of August came, Captain Brown and one of the 
men that sat upon the doorstep of Moses Wolcott's store, drove up to the 
celebration of the Bennington Battle. About the middle of the day, 
as they were mingling in the crowd they saw a man at a little distance 
elbowing his way through the throng, making a frantic effort to reach 
them. Both men recognized the face as soon as their eyes fell upon it, 
" There, Captain, you'll catch it, now. That's the man that lost his horse, 
and he's after you and no mistake." ''Yes, I guess that's him," replied 
the Captain, as he looked behind him; but there seemed to be no chance 
for escape in the blocking crowd, and he therefore awaited the approach of 
the stranger, who, when he came up seized his hand, and burst into the 
most profuse expressions of thankfulness, explaining: 

" I followed your directions that day, and found everything precisely as 
you predicted I would. The crooked est, stoniest, steepest path that 
Christian or Turk ever trod was that one; but I found the nigger there. 
How ever did you know about that nigger ? Well! he was there anyhow, 
and he had the horse. He denied it first, just as you said but I stuck to 
it that I knew he had my horse, and sure enough he had, and I got the 
creature, and now you must let me pay you something for the information. 
•Tlie Captain protested against having any knowledge of the affair, affirmd 
that it was only done in a joke, and positively refused any remuneration. 
The man from Stratford would not believe that Captain Brown was 
telling him the truth, and went his way blessing him. 

This was a strange coincidence surely, and furnished a very funny tale to 
tell in the village bar-room for many a year. If every professed fortune 
teller could guess as correctly, their fortunes would be gathered in a trice. 

At Warwick, in the olden days lived Chloe Bucklin, to whom, if we can 
trust rumor, many a village swain was devoted; but who had chosen Daniel 
Brown as her best loved admirer, and who had answered " Yes " when he 
proposed to make her his wife and take her to the new home he planned to 
build among the hills and mountains of Berkshire. Captain Brown's first 
visit to jSTew Providence was before his marriage, and busy with buying 
land, and arranging for a home in the wilderness, he did not return to his 
affianced as soon as he promised. Her neighbors used banteringly to say, 
"Ah, Chloe ! Daniel has forgotten you; you'll never see him again." But 



FROM 1787—1707. 79 

knowing well the sterling wortii of iier adventnrous lover, her trust in him 
remained unshaken, and her patient waiting was at last rewarded by his 
return, soon after whicli they were married and started for their new 
home. Her outfit was three cliairs, a table and l)edstead. She seems to 
have possessed a great many attributes well calculated to help her husband 
on to success, and her sympathies for those around her who were less fortu- 
nate than herself in life, are well illustrated by the following story. Shoes 
and stockings were luxuries only indulged in during the severity of winter, 
and for church wear in summer. Many an old lady now living, has told 
us how carefully they were kept in a bag during the week and carried in 
their hands until the last hill this side the church was reached, wiiere set- 
ting down upon some rock or bank they would put them on. Keturning, 
at the same place they would be taken off, and when home again they were 
carefully brushed, and restored to the bag until another Sabbath. Captain 
Brown's wealth made this economy unnecessary in his family, but one sum- 
mer Sunday "Aunt Chloe " as she was familiarly called, meeting an old 
friend from the back road asked where her girls were, as she saw none of them 
at church, to which the good woman replied that " they had no stockings to 
wear and were ashamed to come." "Why" said Mrs. Brown ''that's no 
matter ; tell them to come along next Sunday and my girls shall go without 
to keep them company" It is said that true to her word, the remainder of 
the season the daughters of the rich Captain came to church minus hose. 

Two of these daughters were sent to a school at Albany, and received ad- 
vantages far in advance of most of the village girls. The daughters of Mr. 
Tibbits at the gambrel-roofed house, and the daughter of Squire Barker 
being the only ones thus favored. Dr. John Lyon settled at the village in 
the valley after his return from Bennington and practised his profession. 

Dr. Nathemial Gott was also practitioner at that place, living in a house 
that stood upon the lot opposite the farm house of Xathaniel Bliss. 

Dr. William Jenks settled at Stafford's Hill, on the land opposite the 
glebe farm which was purchased in 1790, by Charles Jenks, on his arrival at 
the Hill from Cumberland, R. I. Here he died early, leaving a young- 
widow, who afterward married Dr. David Cushing. Dr. Cushing bought, 
prior to his marriage with Mrs. Jenks, the house opposite the present 
Prince farm on the brow of the Hill, and which also belonged to Col. Joab. 
Upon his marriage to Mrs. Dr. Jenks, he disposed of the place, took the 
house down and removed to the one opposite the church property, where 
he remained until his death. Dr. David Cushing. like Dr. Jenks, died 
young, at a little past forty, leaving his wife a widow for the second time 
while yet in her youth, comparatively. On the place where her husband 
died she remained, reared her children and lived to an advanced age. In 



80 HISTOKY OF CHESHIRE. 

the grave-yard on the breezy hill that seems so near the blue mountain tops, 
they all lie, side by side, three graves, just beyond that of their old pastor, 
in the shade, cast by a tall cherry tree. There, too, are the Wilmarths, 
the Masons, Capt. Converse and many beside of the people whose houses 
and well arranged gardens stood along that hillside when Dr. David 
Gushing ministered to them professionally. These graves were made 
when busy care and toil were all around. Now there are no houses, no 
people, no hum of industry, even the very birds seem to have migrated. 

There are two children left of this family, one. Dr. Erastus Gushing of 
Cleveland, Ohio, the other, Mrs. Charles Bowen, mother of H. C. Bowen, 
Postmaster of Cheshire. To the latter this farm has fallen, although her 
own home is in Adams, she will never allow this spot of land to pass from 
her possession. 

In 1793, the town voted not to allow inoculation to be set up. In 
February, 1794, they voted to allow a pest-house near Brooks Mason's 
Muddy Brook, one by Benjamin Bliss's, Stafford's Hill, another near Dea. 
Carpenter's, Pork Lane and employ one doctor. Small-pox was a scourge 
in early days, sweeping through all countries, visiting palace and cottage 
alike. Jenner was watching his milk maids on the Rhine, and studying 
into the charmed amulet they seem to wear, but vaccination was a thing of 
the future. Inoculation was the best preventive known to the medical 
fraternity. Pest-houses, built in some lonely, far away spot where they 
could not contaminate the well, were kept by some hired person 
who had had the small pox. People taken there were inoculated for 
the disease, and by a proper course of diet, and correct treatment were able 
to have the plague somewhat lighter than if it came upon them unaware. 

During this decade and the last the terrors of small-pox were added tp 
the ravages of war. Many continental soldiers were buried in camp and 
field, and very many of the Cheshire volunteers fell victims to it, and never 
returned. Mount Amos was the spot where the first pest-house was lo- 
cated, and where some went, and submitted to inoculation, rather than to 
take the risk of having it when on the march or in the hospital even. There 
is an old pathetic story connected with a little grove of trees that lies by 
the side of the road leading down from the lone house on Mount Amos, of 
how an old lady belonging to one of the first families had died of this dread 
disease, and according to the code of the times had been refused burial in 
any church yard. She was buried just outside the fence, and for genera- 
tions thereafter her kinsfolk were separated from her by this barrier. 

In 1783, slavery existed under the law, and some of the citizens of 
Cheshire held slaves prior to that date. The trade was abolished by an act 
of 1788. From a correspondence still extant between Elder Peter Wer- 



FROM 1787—1797. 81 

den's f'hurch and Major Samuel Low, it is evident that Major Low had 
owned, :ind freed a negro girl known as Mary Diamond, as well as her 
children Tony and Violet. These latter he had retained in his service and 
taken with him to Palatine, N. Y., whither he had removed. The Adams 
church writes to the Major that Mary fears he is holding Tony and Violet 
against their will in a state of slavery, aud insists that he shall relieve tlie 
uneasiness of Mary's mind without delay. Major Low's reply is a model 
of coolness and spirited defense, admitting himself unworthy, he goes on 
in these words : 

"I return you my sincere thanks for your kind letter in which you inform me so 
acfreeably that Mary D. is in some trouble lest I may retain her children against their 
will. I hold as you say liberty and freedom as a lixed principle and at the begin- 
ning of the war declared my house free. Have I counteracted my declaration ? Hath 
not Mary D. been free ? Tony was 21 last March, and all who know him, know 
him to be a bad boy. I have paid much money for him, I am justly entitled to his 
services and Violet's until such time as they fairly recompense me for my expense 
and trouble in rearing them. Should this not be satisfactory to my brethren I will 
leave the matter to indifferent parties." 

The house occupied by Major Low, and where he owned these slaves 
still stands and is now owned by Mr. Martin Jenks. Major Low kept 
his word and eventually let Tony and Violet go for themselves. Violet 
returued to Adams where she married a worthless "nigger" by the name 
of Jake who led her a life of such questionable happiness that she was 
finally compelled to abandon him, \ipon which occasion Jake declared him- 
self satisfied with the plan, but insisted upon dividing their worldly goods 
to please his own desires. 

" Now," said Jake, "here am-de house — I'll perwide it. I'll keep the inside, 
you can take the outside. Here am de pig and the dorg. I'll keep de pig, 
you can take the dorg. I'll keep the bugalow (the bureau) and de crock- 
edy ware (the china crockery) " and so on until poor Violet found herself 
with nothing of value for her side of the liouse, and learned, perhaps, that 
even liberty had its drawbacks. 

It was in 1792 of this decade that the dark day settled over the New Eng- 
land States. At Cheshire the people arose to find everything as usual, 
but as the morning advanced a strange light broke over the landscape, a 
dim, yellowish tint, which gradually grew from dimness to a gloom like 
twilight, and then to a darkness like night. The cows came up to the 
pasture bars, and lowed as if anxiously asking for protection, the fowls all 
went to roost, the birds sought their nests. The stars came out in the sky 
as thick as at midnight, and men and women waited in fear and trembling 
to see what the end would-be. Some feared that the Day of Doom had 
come ; but the darkness wore off by degrees, not long afternoon the sun 



82 ttlSTOKY OF CHESHIRE. 

broke forth, the gray light faded away, heavy hearts beat lightly once more 
and the terror of the honr was over, although for years those who witnessed 
the phenomena told often of the frightful, unnatural scene. 

The family of the Bliss's ai'e descendants of Nathaniel Bliss who came 
into the settlement at an early period, and lived on a f&rm at Muddy Brook, 
near where the cross-road connects the old with the new road. There were 
four sons, who settled in this vicinity, three of them, John, Nathaniel and 
Orrin, on farms that lie along the old road over the hills. Nathaniel Bliss, 
Sen., is spoken of as Lef tenant Nathaniel Bliss. 

The farms owned by John and Orrin Bliss have passed from the posses- 
sion of the families. They themselves moved from them into the village 
where they died. Their children are all gone from the familiar places, and 
the chronicler of these people and their times is compelled to add these fam- 
ilies to the long list of absent ones, whose names we find no more, save as we 
sadly read them on the marble, and the yellow pages of town or church book. 

The farm of Nathaniel Bliss, Jr., is still owned by his children, and is 
managed by the three sons who have always remained there, Granville, 
Clinton and Milton. An older son, Henry Bliss, is a well-known lawyer, 
who has been for many years in successful and active practice at Adams. 
As this town does not seem to offer sufficient charms to the members of 
this profession to ever hold them within its borders it may be pardoned for 
alluding, now and then, to those who have gone forth from its farms and 
homes to meet success, in this direction at other towns. 

According to tradition Nathaniel Bliss, the son, was connected with some 
of the engagements in the later wars. 

The Southworth farm house is on a knoll al the summit of a hill which 
this old road climbs. It is a low, long building, guileless of paint, and has 
never been rebuilt. It was once the gay home of fair girls ; now the spirit 
of melancholy seems to pervade it, a narrow, over-grown path leads to the 
door-way, the steep roof rests upon the low doors and windows, the wains- 
coting is lialf way to the ceiling ; it is all as it used to be, and yet there is 
nothing left to tell of the merry voices that echoed there, or the light feet 
that tripped over the meadows, or followed along the pasture paths. The 
wind, the sun, and the birds are just the same ; down the country road, 
over a stone wall, lie the graves of many who used to know these places; 
upon the slabs of marble are carved a cherub's head, or perchance, a weep- 
ing willow, and below the name of Southworth, and, sometimes, that of a 
neighbor. It was upon the farm at Muddy Brook, now owned by the 
Chadwicks, that Squire James Barker bid his son to place the stock when he 
sent him to Berkshire in advance of the family in 1773, speaking of it as his 
southernmost farm. 



CHAPTER IV. 



FROM 1797 1807. 



THE GREAT REFORMATION. THE BIG CHEESE. VACCINATION. JOHN VIN- 
CENT. DEATH OF ELDER NATHAN MASON. ELDER LELAND's VIEWS ON 
COxMMUNION. ELDER LEMUEL COVELL, PASTOR THIRD CHURCH, THOMPSON 
J, SKINNER, DEFAULTER. CAPTAIN BROWN^S LOSSES. DR. MASON BROWN. 
MASONIC LODGES. JIM FISKE. 

In 1797, after lUlder Leland's return from a trip into Virginia he re- 
fused to take pastoral charge of the Third Church, and we hear of 
the members sending every second month to adjoining towns for an " ad- 
ministrator " to visit and break bread with them. 

In 1799 a mighty influence broke out among the people, leading to what 
has come down through the years as "■ The Great Reformation." Many 
ministers from abroad assisted Elder Leland and the home jDastors, preach- 
ing by night and by day to throngs of people' in the church on the green, 
to gatherings in the " West school house," as that on the hill beyond the 
kitchen was commonly knowri, as well as in a little brown school house re- 
cently put up at Federal City. The brook at the kitchen and the river 
under the shade of the willows, were visited daily by such as wished bap- 
tism and the following crowds who went to witness the ordinance. 

Among the ministers from abroad was one bearing the name of Kies, a 
young man, but very devout ; he had listened to the sermons, and the re- 
joicings of the converts, had joined in prayer as the elder ministers led the 
way, and now and then exhorted sinners in a morning meeting of prayer. 
That was all — for there were present the mighty preachers of that day, upon 
whose words all hung with breathless attention. 

At length it came to the mind of some brother that no one had asked the 
young man to preach to the congregation and forwith he was called upon 
and invited to give a sermon the next evening in the West school house. 
The minister objected. He was young and inexperienced, older workers 
in the vineyard were so much better fitted to gather the fruit, he had very 
little faith in his ability. Surely no one would go to the school house when 



84 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

they heard that ''only Brother Kies^' was going to speak. However a 
refusal would not be accepted and the appointment was made. All night 
the minister was troubled at the prospect before him, he could not rest so 
disturbed were his slumbers. To stand before Leland, Hull, Werden, Ma- 
son and manj'' besides who had, for yeai's, stood upon the watchtowers and 
high places, proclaiming the doctrines so dear to them, was impossible, he 
could not do so presumptuous a thing, so at an early hour he again went 
around to those who had made the arrangement, and begged to be released. 
No one would go the school house — he knew — emptiness and barrenness 
would be the result ; but still they held to the appointment. 

It is said that the last hours of the afternoon were spent in an agony of 
soul, by Elder Kies. He could decide upon no subject, or call to his mind 
any words that seemed to him fitting for the occasion, and repeated to all 
he chanced to meet, "There will be nothing but empty seats at the school 
house, I am sorry the arrangement has been made." 

The hour drew near, the hour of early candle lighting,^ as the appoint- 
ments to those school house, evening gatherings were always given out, and 
it was a custom well understood that ever family, or every ]3erson, was ex- 
pected to bring a candlestick containing a tallow candle, as there was no 
other means of lighting the house. Elder Kies took up his hat and went 
out upon the street, stepping upon the foot path by the roadside, he 
stopped — looked with amazement, rubbed his eyes, and looked again — the 
streets were filled. Over the hills from the village, down the hills from 
the mountain, over the cross-road from Pork Lane, across the lots from the 
surrounding farms, people were coming, in wagons, on horseback, and on 
foot, each with the prescribed candle, pouring into the little school house 
filling it to overflowing, mounting upou the window ledges, crowding into the 
entry, blocking up all the standing room and filling every space within and 
for a distance around the school house. 

Elder Kies arose in the desk and read a hymn, well-known then, entitled: 
" A Sound of a Going in the Tops of the Mulberry Trees," commencing : 

" What joyful sound is this I hear, 
Fresh from the mulberry tops ? 
Ye saints give ear, the Lord draws near, 

Your drooping heads lift up. 
Hark ! Hear the sound — it moves around. 

How sweet the accents are. 
My joys abound. I know the sound ; 
It is the voice of prayer.'' 
His lesson was one of David's psalms, and his text " How long halt ye 
between two opinions ? If the Lord be God, follow him ; but if Baal, then 
follow him." .The words flowed from his lips in a torrent of eloquence that 



FROM 1797—1807. 85 

so affected the people as to interrupt the speaker from time to time, by 
shouts and" groans and lamentations, and this meeting at the " West Neigh- 
borliood " was never forgotten. 

The impressions of Elder Leland were something remarkable before the 
commencement of these meetings. He says, a heavenly visitor came, one 
day, to his house with salutations of peace. When sitting in his room 
alone it seemed to be Avhitewashed with love, when straying abroad through 
his fields, in the shadow of those steep hills, a circle of light seemed to 
surround him, and resting at eventime, sitting by his door sill (this house 
is at present occupied by Mr. G-eorge Carpenter just as it was then) the 
words came again, and again, and still again, '' The Lord will work," as 
though injected into his mind. 

He started early in the fall on a tour to Virginia preaching and perform- 
ing the work of an evangelist. A throng of people followed liim for a num- 
ber of miles listening to his words, and bidding hiin at last tearful good- 
byes. Appointments were made for a long distance ahead, but becoming 
more and more impressed regarding the people he had left behind he final- 
ly cancelled his engagements and returned, declaring that he could not 
preach to Virginia with the sins of Cheshire on his back. He reached 
the residence of Deacon Wood at midnight, and awakened them from deep 
sleep by singing in his sweet thrilling voice : 

" Brethren, I have come ao^itin, 
Joseph lives, and Jesus reigns, 
Praise Him in the loudest strains. "^ 

They arose and admitted him, and from that day the work went on. 
Long years after when Mrs. Wood was an old lady to her children's 
children she often told the story of the old time hymn as it sounded from 
out the fall night, breaking their slumbers and proclaiming the arrival of 
their beloved friend and teacher. 

In every era and among every people since the race began we find men 
Avho leave the impress of their character on all associated with them. 
Men born to rule their fellows, and to mould the thoughts and opinions of 
state and nation. Such a man was Elder Leland ; not only in the sparsely 
settled districts of old Virginia where his influence was sought when a 
great measure was before the people, but also among the sturdy farmers of 
this little village, his political views were heartily and unanimously en- 
dorsed. A strong Jeffersonian himself, the whole people were admirers of 
Jefferson also. When he was chosen to fill the Presidential chair their 
exultation knew no bounds, and impelled by a desire to pay him some 
tribute of respect, the original thought occurred to them that from so fa- 
mous a dairying community what could be more appropriate than a mam- 



86 HISTORY OF CHESHIKE. 

moth cheese, the result of their united contributions. In investigating the 
history of the manufacture of this cheese we find a diversity of opinion as 
to the phice of making, some of the older people claiming that the curd 
was mixed at Elisha Brown's, on the farm now occupied by William Bennet^ 
and there pressed, then brought down to Captain Daniel Brown's to be 
cured and dried. In support of this theory we copy from the Hampshire 
Gazette of September 10th, 1801, the following quaint account of its mak- 
ing and journey : 

"And Jacknips said unto the Cheshireites behold the Lord hath put in a ruler over 
us that is after our own hearts. Now let us gather together our curd, and carry it 
into the valley of Elisha unto his wine press, and there make a great cheese, that we 
may make a thank offering unto that great man. Now these sayings pleased the 
Cheshireites, so they did as Jacknips had commanded. And they said unto Darius, 
the son of Daniel, the proi)het, make us a great hoop, four feet in diameter, and 
eighteen inches high, and Darius did as he was commanded, and Asaheland Benjamin, 
the blacksmiths, secured it with strong iron bands, so that it could not give way. 
Now the time for making the great cheese was on the 20th day of the seventh month, 
when all the Jacobites assembled as one man, every man with his curd except John, 
the physician, who said: ' I have no curd but I will doctor the Federalists, send them 
to me and I will cure their fedism,' bat Jacknips said : ' Behold Frances, the wife 
of John the Hillite, she is a goodly woman and she is wont to make good cheese, now 
she shall be chief among women.' Now, when all these things were ready, they put 
it in Elisha's press — ten days did they press it ; but on the eleventh, Jacknips said 
unto the Cheshireites ' Behold, now let us gather together a great multitude and 
move it to the great house of Daniel, the prophet, there to be cured and dried.' 
Now Daniel lives about eight furlongs from the valley of Elisha. So they made a 
great parade and mounted the cheese on a sled and put six horses to draw it. And 
Jacknips went forward, and when he came to the inn of Little Moses he said unto 
Moses ' Beliold, the great cheese is coming.' And Moses said unto Freelove his wife, 
'Behold the multitude advancing, now let us kill all the tirst born of the lambs and 
he goats and make a great feast.' And they did so, and the people did eat meat and 
drink wine, the fourth part of a bin each, so they were very merry. And Jacknips 
said : ' It shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, what mean you 
by this great cheese ?' Ye shall answer them saying : ' It is a sacrifice unto our 
o-reat ruler, because he givetli gifts unto the Jacobites and taketh them from the Fed- 
eralists.' And Jacknips said : ' Peradventure within two years I shall present this 
great cheese as a thank offering unto our great ruler,' and all the Cheshireites shall 
say ' Amen.' " 

Others claim that it was brought to Daniel Brown's in the beginning, 
and we incline to this statement from the fact that Mr. Edmund Foster 
(grandson of Captain Brown) and others of equally good authority are posi- 
tive that such was the case. Each good wife set her milk in her own dairy 
and on the appointed day brought tlie curds, and there were mixed and 
salted by the most skillful dairy women. It was pressed in the cider-mill, 
and one month from the day of its making it weighed 1,235 pounds. From 
the fact that at a later period a larger cheese was made in the same town 



FROM 1707—1807. 87 

weighing iibout 1,400 pounds, doubtless arises the conflicting statement. 
In the early fall the cheese was carefully packed and in the care and escort 
of Elder Leiand and Darius Brown, it was drawn to Hudson and from 
there shipped by water to Washington. Through the kindness of Mr. 
Daniel 13. Brown (son of Darius), we are able to give the presentation 
speech, and Jefferson's reply, from the original documents. The latter bear- 
ing the signature traced by the hand that penned the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and struck slavery from the north western territory. 

To Thomas Jeft'rrson, President of the United States of America : — 

SiH : — NotvvitlistandinjT we live remote from the seat of our national government 
in an extreme part of our own state, yet we humbly claim the right of judging for 
ourselves. Our attachment to the national constitution is indissoluble. We consider 
it as a definition of those powers which the people have delegated to their magis- 
trates to be exercised for definite purposes, and not as a charter of favors granted by 
a sovereign to his subjects. Among its beautiful features the right of free suffrage, 
to correct all abuses, the prohibition of religious tests to prevent all hierachy, and 
the means of amendment which it contains within itself to remove defects as fast as 
they are discovered, appear the most prominent. Such being the sentiments 
which we entertain our joy must have been exquisite on your appointment to the 
first office in the nation. The trust is great. The task is arduous. But we believe 
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, who raises up men to achieve great events, has 
raised up a Jefferson at this critical day to defend Republicanism, and to baffle the arts 
of aristocracy. We wish to prove the love we bear to our Pi'esident, not by words 
alone but in deed and in truth. With this address Ave send you a cheese, by the hands 
of Messrs. John Leiand and Darius Brown, as a token of the esteem which we bear to 
our Chief Magistrate, and of the sense we entertain of the singular blessings that 
have been derived Irom the numerous services you have rendered mankind in general, 
and more especially to this favored nation over which you preside. It is not the last 
stone of the Bastile, nor is it an article of great pecuniary worth, but as a free will 
offering, we hope it will be favorably received. The cheese was procured by the per- 
sonal labor of freeborn farmers with the voluntary and cheerful aid of their wives and 
daughters, without the assistance of a single slave. It was originally intended for an 
elective President of a free people and with a principal view of casting a mite into the 
even scale of Federal Democracy. We hope it will safely arrive at its destined place, 
and that its quality will prove to be such as may not disappoint the wishes of those 
who made it. To that Infinite Being who governs the Universe we ardently pray 
that your life and health may long be preserved, that your usefulness may be still 
continued, that your administration may be no less pleasant to yourself than it is 
grateful to us and to the nation at large, and that the blessings of generations yet 
unborn may come upon you. In behalf of ourselves, and our fellow citizens of Ches- 
hire, we render you the tribute of profound respect. 

Jefferson's reply: ' 

To Messrs Daniel Brown, Hezekiah Mason, Jonathan Richardson, John Waterman and 

John Wells, Jim., a committee of the town of Cheshire, in Mas:sachusetts. 

I concur with you in the sentiments expressed in your kind address on behalf of 

the inhabitants of the town of Cheshire, that the Constitution of the United States is 

a charter of authorities and duties, not a charter of rights to its officers, and that 



88 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

among its most precious provisions are tlie right of suffrage, the prohibition of religious 
tests, and its means of peaceable amendment. Xothing ensures the duration of this 
fair fabric of government so effectually as the due sense entertained by the body of our 
citizens of the value of these principles and their care to preserve them. I receive with 
particular pleasure the testimony of good will with which your citizens have been pleas- 
ed to charge you. It presents an extraordinary proof of the skill with which those do- 
mestic arts which contribute so much to our daily comfort, are practiced by them, 
and particularly by that portion of them most interesting to the affections, the cares 
and the happiness of man. To myself, this mark of esteem from free born farmers, 
employed personally in the useful laboi's of life, is peculiarly grateful, having no wish 
but to preserve to them the fruits of their labor, their sense of this truth will be 
my highest reward. I pray you gentlemen to make my thanks for their favor accep- 
table to them, and to be assured yourselves of my highest respect and esteem. 

Thomas. Jeffeksox. 

In 1803 vaccination was introduced into the town and the dreadful or- 
deal of being inoculated for the small-pox was abandoned. Jenner had. 
triumphed over an avalanche of difficulties, and the world began to enjoy 
the blessings of his discovery, the greatest of the century. 

In 1804 Elder Xathan Mason ordained Elder Joseph Cornell of Cheshire, 
who labored in the ministry forty-six years. This man was a strong advo- 
cate for an educated clergy, although so illiterate at the time of his own 
ordination that he could scarcely read the simplest sentence. By hard 
study he overcame this and acquired a fair education. He died at eighty 
while acting as missionary in western New York. John Vincent, also of 
Cheshire, was ordained by Elder Leland at a later date. He figured in the 
church during these years and leaves a journal history of it which contains 
much desirable information. Unlike elder Cornell he did not advocate an 
educated ministry. Most literally did he interpret the promise "The Lord 
will provide," and believed that whomsoever the Lord called to preach His 
word, to him words would be given. He was an ardent admirer, almost a 
worshi})er, of Elder Leland, whom he adopted for a pattern in all things. 

In 1804 Elder Nathan Mason died, revered and beloved by all, at the 
advanced age of 80 years. He died at Fort Ann, Washington County, 
New York, surrounded liy. friends. He left a family of children and his 
descendants are scattered through the United States, but few being left in 
Cheshire. 

In 1804 Timothy Mason was keeping tavern on Stafford's Hill, on the 
spot where Mr. Frank Prince now resides. In the paper of this (1803) day 
two farms are advertised to be sold from this tavern. They are situated 
one-half mile south of the meeting house, have all conveniences, have a 
dairy, cheese, milk and press house, two dwelling hoiises, good barns, corn 
houses, and two good fruit orchards that yield abundant fruit. Two acque- 
ducts carry a plentiful supply of water to houses and barns, while a quan- 



FROM 1797—1807. 89 

tity of wood is found in the belt of timbered land that crosses the farm. 
All showing under what a state of cultivation this section of the town was 
at the commencement of the century. 

Hunting parties were formed at this hotel on the hill, and Cheshire gen- 
tlemen fond of the sport gathered here and followed the chase, starting the 
fox from his lair in the shade of the lone mountains and pursuing him with 
hound and horse. June 25th, 1804, the lovers of this pleasure joined in a 
hunting match and sweeping over the hills and through the woods killed 
1(!4 woodchucks, 85 squirrels, 41 chipmunks, 1 hawk and myriads of birds. 

In 1805 Mrs. Peter Werden died at 80 years. Tradition says she was 
buried by the side of her husband, on the slope of Stafford's Hill. There is 
traceable a grave, sunken and covered with wild flowers ; golden rod grows 
rank above it, the blue-eyed genetian lifts its fringed cup in the grasses, 
but there is no stone to tell to whom it belonged. 

Elder Leland was willing to preach, pray and baptize among the peojile, 
but positively refused to break bread for his church. This position gave 
rise to much and varied discussion among the members of the church, a 
church to which they all, with Elder Leland himself, had pledged allegi- 
ance, one that required its members, on admission, to partake of the sym- 
l)ols Christ had chosen and blessed, when he said to his disciples, '' Do this 
'till I come." They held it as a sacred legacy and were not quite willing 
to allow any of their members to say : '" I do not enjoy the communion 
service. It never assisted me to behold the body and blood of my Saviour, 
therefore, I am justified in not attending church meetings and not appear- 
ing at the Lord's table." Their discipline had been strong. Many a lay 
member had been summoned to the tribunals of the church and summarily 
dealt with for this very same thing. 

Dr. Francis Gitteau, an eminent physician of l^ew Framingham who 
belonged to the church acted upon this principle to show its fallacy. He 
argued that if such a course was followed it would bring all churches to 
grief ; but if it was right for Elder Leland it was right for Dr. Gitteau. 

Perhaps it's not necessary to say that Dr. Gitteau was ex-communicated 
while Elder Leland was sustained. 

In 1804, he removed to Dutchess County leaving Elder Jones (a native of 
Cheshire) as pastor of the Third church. Here he remained for two years, re- 
turning to Cheshire in 1806, a few days before the total eclipse of the sun. 

About this time Elder Lemuel Covell appeared at Cheshire and occupied 
the pulpit. His youth, eloquence and pleasing manners won the hearts of 
the people at once, and a committee was appointed to confer with him, 
and secure him if possible as their pastor. 

With a large family and a small salary, Elder Covell, like many another 



90 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

preacher of those days, found himself in debt prior to his engagement with 
the church at Pittstown, where he was located at this time. The Pitts- 
town church had paid the $700 against him on condition that he would 
never leave them to become pastor of any other church until that church 
first refunded the amount due to them. Elder Covell was therefore pledged 
to them, and although strongly inclined to acce])t the enthusiastic call of 
Cheshire, he frankly told them of his financial embarrassment, and why 
he could not consider the call, 

A church meeting was called without delay. The committee rejjorted 
the statement made to them, but captivated with the man they strongly 
advised the payment of the debt to the Pittstown people. 

Cooler members of the church, among whom were many of good judg- 
ment, and much wealth strongly argued that it would be unwise for them 
to assume such a burden, said that it woukl be with the utmost ditficulty 
that they could pay the $700 in addition to the yearly salary and running 
expenses of the church. 

But this committee, led by Hezekiah Mason, were men of spirit aiid in- 
domitable Avill and determined to carry the point m which their wishes 
were so thoroughly involved. 

" Why," said Hezekiah Mason, ''I'd rather pay the whole thing myself 
than to give up Covell.'' So although they in no wise convinced the differ- 
rent brothers they conquered. Elder Covell's debts were paid, or con- 
tracted to be paid, and he was installed over the Third church of Cheshire 
at $170 per year, on the same conditions given to the Pittstown church 
with one additional item, namely, if his family failed to receive a proper 
support he could remove without refunding the $700. 

So it was in 1806, we find this minister located with his family in a house 
remodelled from the old Six Principle church, standing on Pork Lane and 
known as the Perry Beers barn in later years. 

Elder Leland and Covell were strong friends. The former doing the work 
of an evangelist, and to use his own words, "Improving ! whenever oppor- 
tunity offered " and the latter performing the pastoral duties. 

But Alas ! "The best laid plans of man gae aft aglae," and in about six 
months after this compact Avas entered upon. Elder Covell was stricken 
down in his early manhood, his work was done, and death sealed him for 
his own. 

The Cheshire church was now left with the $700 and a large family on 
their hands while he that they depended upon was powerless to help them. 
The pai'ty wha h;id opposed the hiring of Covell stood back refusing to pay 
any share of the indebtedness and suggesting that brother Hezekiah Mason 
could fulfill the promise made at random. 



FROM 1797—1807. 91 

That class that represented Elder Covell's interests sought Elder Leland 
at this juncture hoping much from him as he was an earnest friend of the 
dead minister. He, however, gave them but little sympathy hinting that 
had they yielded some of their will in the beginning they might have 
spared much trouble for all. This did not serve to mollify the dissatisfied 
members, and for a space of two years no church meetings were held and 
the bitterness grew and rankled. 

•'In 1806, Elder John Francis was ordained at Pittstield in Mr. Allen's meeting 
house. Prayer was ottered by Elder Covell of Cheshire. Right hand of fellowship 
given by Elder John Leland who delivered an earnest, pathetic discourse highly 
pleasing to the audience, many of whom had never witnessed the ingenuity and 
talents of this gifted man."— Pittsfield Sun, June 14, 1806. 

In 1806, Thompson S. Skinner was treasurer for the Commonwealth of 
Mass., acting then for the second term. On his jiaper as third bondsman 
was the name of Capt. Daniel Brown. During this term Skinner was 
defaulter to the State for $30,000, (twenty thousand dollars.) 

This fact when brought to light caused the wildest tumult in the air. 
Some of the bondsmen forgot to be honest. Some wore placed on the limits 
the authorities fearing that they might be tempted. 

Captain Brown lost heavily in this transaction. The beautiful lot where 
now stands the residence of Mrs. Werden Brown was sold to Cole Brothers 
to raise the necessary money for the honest man to meet his word ; also a 
lot known at that time as the twenty acre lot, owned now by J. B. Dean, 
Dr. Cole and others. Beside the loss of these valuable lands outright the 
Captain paid all the money, left him from a generous living, that his in- 
come yielded to meet the demand until a few years before his death when 
he made the final payment. 

In this decade Dr. Mason Brown was practicing medicine in the new vil- 
lage of Cheshire, and its surrounding country occupying an office on the 
green. This Dr. Brown was a son of Caleb Brown and native to the eupho- 
nious street Pork Lane, of which it is claimed that none other can show so 
proud a record, or number so many noble men and women reared from 
chiklhood on the farms along its borders. Among these are Eussel, Caleb 
and Manning Brown well known as manufacturers. Arnold Mason who 
was a very successful public contracter, and one of three who built the 
I-Iigh Bridge at Harlem, N. Y. Levi Mason who, dying at less than 
middle life, left what was then a fine propei'ty amassed by himself and many 
more that might be mentioned. 

Dr. BroAvn spent the summers for many years of his later life at Saratoga 
where it is said that he won many friends and quite a lucrative practice. 
He read medicine with Dr. Tanner of Williamstown and never graduated 
at a medical school. The store on the hill go long occupied by the Coles, 



92 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

was built in 1808 by Calvin Hall who also built and kept tavern in the 
house now owned by C. C. Cole. Some can remember the square bar in 
the south room, with its high, picketed gate, and can recall the ancient 
characters on the wall of the room above, occupied once by a society of Free 
and Accepted Masons. Stealing in to the darkened gloomy room at sunset, 
when the shadows lay long across the chamber floor, looking at the strange 
hieroglyphics in the light of the Morgan excitement, listening to the 
whispered hobgoblin stories of the midnight ride in a closed carriage to the 
Niagara frontier what wonder that they made a lasting impression upon a 
childish mind, much like a glance at Plutonion shores, and that a Mason 
was looked upon as a veritable ogre until the years brought a more intelli- 
gent understanding. 

When Calvin Hall was about completing this house and store he placed a 
tall sign-post in front much to the annoyance of Moses Wolcott keeping 
tavern down under the hill, so he went at once, and replaced his own with a 
pole fifty feet high, that any one rising the hill beyond Hall's hotel would 
see the Wolcott sign fluttering from below. 

One morning about this time Dr. Brown walking down the street met 
Mr. Wolcott, and said after the usual salutations: 

" Well, neighbor Wolcott, we thought we would put up a tavern on the 
hill then we could boast of two in town." 

''Yes, yes," said the somewhat touchy old man, "We thought we would 
have a new doctor down the hill here, then we could boast of one in town." 

In good preservation is a Masonic apron and certificate of entrance to the 
Lodge on Stafford's Hill made out to Daniel Brown and bearing date; 

"Ye Franklin Masonic Lodge, in ye 12tli day of November, salvation 1795 ; or 5795 

of Masonry. 

y. , ( Toma^ Remington, Peleg Green, 
Mgnea : | ^^^i^^ Phillips, Robert Walker. 

This Lodge received its charter in 1794, and in June 1800, permission 
was gained from the Grand Lodge for it to hold its meetings alternately in 
Cheshire and Lanesborough, three months at each place. 

John Bennet, who is the ancestor of the Bennet family now known in 
Cheshire, and who afterward bought the farm first taken up by John 
Wells, and the one adjoining, where William P. Bennet now lives came to 
Berkshire during this era, and worked for Captain Daniel Brown upon the 
farm just below the one that he purchased eventually. 

A Tything man was employed by the town and his duty was to keep close 
watch, detect all wrong doing, and make crooked ways straight as far as 
possible. The boys were fond of a game of ball in those days, and young 
Bennet habitually kept tally for them as they played. It chanced that on 
one warm Sunday afternoon they all went out to the vicinity of the Whit- 



FROM 1797—1807. 9S 

ford Rocks for a game, and unfortunately for them Bowen happened to be 
passing by. He arrested every player and fined them twenty shillings a 
head. Bennet paid his fine as well as the rest^, but inwardly resolved on 
revenge. A few weeks later he went to Stafford's Hill on a Sunday morn- 
ing to Elder Werden's meeting, and noticing Bowen drive up and fasten 
his horse under the shed he concluded the hour had arrived for him to pay 
up the grudge that had rankled in his breast like a thorn. 

When the services were well be'gun, and the voice of the minister in his 
sermon reached the ear through the open door, Bennet commenced to shear 
the horse that Bowen had left under the shed in fancied security. One side 
was well done, the flowing mane and long tail were clipped short when he 
was warned by the singing of the hymn that his work was ended, and beat- 
ing a hasty retreat he left the animal in his unique plight to tell the tale to 
his master as best he could. 

James Fisk, father of James Fisk of Erie fame was born in this town, 
his father lived on Pork Lane, he had a large family and was exceedingly 
poor. He was an inveterate talker, and for this propensity some wag gave 
him the name of " Conquiddle Fisk." The Conquiddle was a bird, a 
native of the wild woods that kept up, from morn till night, from earliest 
spring until the last fall days, a continual, never ceasing chipper, piping 
his cheery notes as harbinger of the summer weather, twittering amid the 
dreary blasts of November, always heard above the songs of other birds, and 
often seen hopping from branch to branch of the sombre trees. 

Circumstances were not favorable to " Conquiddle Fisk," and when he 
found himself steeped in irremediable poverty he left his wife and children 
Samuel, John,, and Eli, Mary, Sue, and James, and the baby in their 
little cabin on Pork Lane, and was never heard of after. 

The children were bid off as paupers to the highest bidder, and taken by 
Russel Brown to the factory grounds in Adams (south village.) There 
James Fisk, Jr., grew up and as he was not exactly the material of which 
paupers are made he commenced a mercantile life in the way of peddling. 
He made his home somewhere in the vicinity of Pownal where his illus- 
trious son was born. 

James Fisk the third succeeded his father in the business of peddling 
when quite young, then they united their fortunes and drove, all up and 
down the valley road, a fine establishment which was well known and 
largely patronized at every village as well as at many a farm house. In 
this commodious wagon was stowed everything in the dry goods line and 
jewelry, from a darning needle to heavy silks and velvets, from a gold 
button to fine watches and silver plate. When the elder gentleman was 
under the cloud, when pay was slow, and duns were plenty, Jim Fisk 



94 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

the youager took the reins and owned the establishment and ''vice versa. '^ 
Driving tlirough the by-ways of New England, along the country lanes and 
village streets, halting at farm house and way side cottage, young Jim, en- 
dowed by nature with a keen observation, desirous of pleasing people and 
thus securing them for his customers, learned to read character with adroit- 
ness a knowledge that without doubt served him well when he entered upon 
a broader field of action, and engaged in that successful business life which 
ended so disastrously at last. 

The practice of selling children by the town authorities to whomsoever 
chose to buy them seems to have been a very prevalent one. The records of 
such sales are often seen upon the pages of the books. 

Job Seaman was bought at the brick school house by Manning Brown, 
and taken to the factory grounds at South Adams as was Fisk ; but Job 
ran away and evaded the search made for him. 



CHAPTER V. 



FROM 1807 1817. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. PROGRESS OF NEW PROVIDENCE AND THE FOUR 
CORNERS. CHESHIRE CROWN GLASS COMPANY. ALDEN POTTER'S IN- 
VENTIONS AND MANUFACTURES. POST RIDERS. POST OFFICES. DISAF- 
FECTION IN THIRD CHESHIRE CHURCH. JONATHAN RICHARDSON. 
WAR OF 1812. RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY TOWN, BRITISH OFFICERS. 
EDMOND FOSTER. 

As surely as we could trace the snowflake to the cloud from whence it 
falls, so surely could be traced the reason why villages are builded upon 
the spots selected did one know just how to follow the chain of circum- 
stances leading to the selection. A valid reason also exists why they 
grow, prosper, and finally decline and perish. Health and safety were, 
doubtless the articles most required by our early pioneers. The continuous 
hills, about which our Hoosac river curls and loops and winds, furnished 
the former article, and union gave the latter — hence the hill-tops and the 
little settlements. 

In 1807, there is Stafford's Hill, Cheshire Corners, Pork Lane, Scrabble- 
town. The Kitchen, Thunder and Federal City, this last is now known as 
Pumpkin Hook. It took its first name, tradition says, because the only 
Federals in town — three in number — lived there in houses that stood in a 
row. At this period there were more houses and more business at the Hill 
than at Cheshire or Adams. 

In 1808 Elder Werden dying, Elder Bartimus Braman became pastor of 
the church Avhere he officiated until 1815. 

November 5th, 180S, at a church meeting held at the school house on 
Stafford's Hill, the church voted to procure a grave stone for Elder Werden 
and pay the expenses equally among the brethren. 

April 30th, 1808, Daniel Bowen and Deacon Carpenter appointed to at- 
tend Shaftsbury Association. 

December 3d, 1808, to Brother Daniel Bowen a letter given to improve 
his gift in doctrine, prayer and exhortation as the Lord shall direct. In 
the church letter to Pownal (1808), this afflicted people write: 



96 History of Cheshire. 

" Divine Providence hatli taken away our venerable and ac^ed father in the gospel. 
Elder Peter Werden, from off this post of Zion's Wall. He hath taken his flight 
from the church militant to the church triumphant, and we are left destitute of an 
under shepherd to lead us into the green pastures of the gospel. Pray, brethren, that 
the Lord of the harvest will send us one after his own heart to lead us into the mys- 
teries of His Blessed Word." 

June 3d, 1809, a letter to the Shaftsbury Association, signed Bartimns 
Branian, asks "If it is the duty of the Church of Christ to commune with 
churches incorporated by law to screen them from paying taxes to the sup- 
port of the standing order of this state." This subject was beginning to 
be a vexed one, and ended after much strife, in the ministerial tax being 
abolished. 

June 3d, 1809, William Rogers was dealt with for not attending church 
meeting. Found him in a comfortable frame of mind, but cannot attend said 
meetings as he is working b}^ the month at Springfield. Brother Rogers 
is forgiven. 

August 1st, 1810, Sister Deacon Carpenter dealt with for the same trans- 
gression. Church votes to be forbearing with Sister Carpenter if she will 
try to attend the means of grace in future. 

October 17th, 1812, Brother Charles Walker is troubled m the feelings 
of his mind in consequence of music in the church. The brothers and sis- 
ters vote, however, that singing is part of the solemn worship of God if 
performed by the saints. 

October 14th, 1815, Rev. Samuel Bloss takes pastoral care of the church, 
and establishes a school destined to become one of considerable note. A 
school where at different times appear as pupils Elnathan Sweet, Samuel 
Savory, Ezekiel Skinner, Noah G. Bushnell, Elias Whipple, and others. 
Young ladies, too, had a department here, and those from a distance found 
homes and board at the surrounding farm houses. 

In 1810 there were twelve good, comfortable houses clustered on the 
top of this hill. They were well cared for, hedged around with shubbery 
and adorned with flowers, while at Cheshire Corners there were only nine. 
As this may be a matter of interest to future seekers of antiquarian lore I 
will name them: The residence of Captain Brown, built in 1797 ; the hotel 
of Moses Wolcott, in 1795 ; Calvin Hall's, on the hill, 1808 ; the home of 
Squire Barker, where Mrs. Noble K. Wolcott now resides ; the house long 
owned by Sally Heath ; the old Hinman place, opposite Captain Brown's ; 
the old gambrel roofed house at the point of the roads ; one standing near 
the old burying ground and one upon the site of Mrs. George Slade's, 
comprised the village of Cheshire, besides its church and brick school 
house in 1810. 

On Stafford's Hill at this time Jacob Baker carried on a cabinet shop. 



PROM 1807—1817. 97 

The wayside forge kept four fires burning, and made hoes, scythes 
and all farming implements. Daniel Eemington had the reputation of 
making the finest shoe of any one in the country. A wagon makers shop 
was running, and two flourishing stores were in full operation. People, 
taken up with useful things, and tired of traveling to Pontoosuc for every 
grist they had ground, utilized the water power at Federal City, and be- 
sides the saw-mill erected by Eric Hosford had put in a " run of stone," 
and so ground their corn nearer home. 

At the sand-mill, close by William Jacques", William Colson made broad- 
cloth by hand and sent it to Adams to be dressed. Still preserved are 
pretty fabrics of woolen dress material carded, spun, dyed and woven by 
Mrs. David Cole, with her own wheel and in her own loom. Streams were 
bridged by planks, lashed together upon beams at the public expense. 

In 1810, Aldrich's mill was put up at Cheshire Harbor. At The Kitchen 
were two tanneries, one run by a Mr. Clapp, and one by Joshua Mason, son 
of James Mason, an early settler, who left a large family. The vats were 
out of doors, skins were tanned in suitable weather, the vats closed and 
business suspended when the inclemency of the season demanded. 

In 1816, David and Ebenezer Cole bought the store and hotel of Calvin 
Hall on the hill. 

In 1813, The Cheshire Crown Glass company was , incorporated. Its or- 
ganizers being Calvin Hall, John D. Leland, Darius Brown and John 
Hunt of Stockbridge. Their buildings were erected just across the brook 
from the present sand works. They brought the sand from Lanesborough. 
Whether too far to draw the raw material, or whether the firm was unsuc- 
cessful is not known, for some cause it ran a short race and in 1816 went 
down, possibly it was affected by the embargo. 

In 1814 we find a receipt of money paid to twenty-five Hessian soldiers 
for chopping wood.' 

In 1815 is a charge for a quart of rum at a store hard by, which beside 
two or three old windows of the style known as " bull's eye," that grace a 
garret now and then, and two of the old tenement houses standing on 
Wrangle Kow, nothing is left to tell of the old Crown Glass company. 

Also in 1813, Asaliel Potter had a trip-hammer at Scrabble Town and 
made scythes, hoes and farming tools. Alden Potter was the first one in 
western Massachusetts to manufacture cotton machinery, for spinning in 
an old red shop opposite the dam at Scrabbletown. Alden Potter had 
learned his trade of Slater in Ehode Island and while at work perfecting 
these spinning jennies there was one point where he did not succeed and 
was baffled every time. Thinking that if he could watch some of the running 
of the machinery in the mill where he had learned his trade he would be 



98 HISTORY OF CSESHIHE. 

able to see where he failed and correct it, he took his father's horse and 
went on horseback to Slater's mills in Rhode Island, where he slyly watched 
and learned his point. Ho then returned perfected his own invention, and 
his spinning jennies were put into the twenty-first cotton factory in the 
country. The gearings were all made of brass, the cast iron being too hard. 
Again Alden Potter went to New York city where he invented a machine 
by which he could take cotton, and running it through the machine, bring 
it out cloth complete. He had just succeeded in getting his model ready 
and put up when the cholera panic broke out and he immediately left the 
city to accompany his wife and daughter up the river to Newburg, where 
her father lived. On his arrival there he remembered, what in his first 
feeling of fright had not occurred to his mind that some ingenious ma- 
chinist might see his model all set up and steal his invention, so he return- 
ed to the city and the mill, took the model all apart and scattered it about 
the room. The day after his arrival at Newburg the second time, he was 
taken ill with cholera and died, so the invention, for which he had labored 
was lost for that time and for him. 

Although the improvement of the country from the peace of Paris, 1783, 
to 1813, was steady and sure it seems to have been slow in the opinion of 
the fast competitive American who does in a week what his fathers occu- 
pied a year in performing. It seems strange that public conveyances were 
not established. The mails were still carried by post riders, and in the files 
of the Pittsfield Sun letters were advertised for Cheshire people as remaining 
in the Pittsfield post-office for the past ten years of the century. 

In 1800 the Pittsfield Sun was founded, coming in with the century. 
Through all its years it has stood firmly by its democratic principles. So 
heartily was it endorsed, so thoroughly sustained by the Cheshire people 
that one of its three Federals, in a fit of pique gave it the name of '• Ches- 
hire's Bible." So intimately was it and its founder known and read in the 
home circles that it some instances little children confounding the words 
Phineas and Finis supposed for j^ears that all their books Avere signed by 
Phineas Allen. "When the Sun came to be so generally taken a postal carrier 
was employed at two shillings per quarter, who visited the different 
neighborhoods, leaving the papers at some place chosen for the purpose. 
For years the Cheshire mail was brought by one Jimmie Green, in a pair 
of saddle-bags from Pittsfield. Sometimes Jimmie came on foot, sometimes 
astride a gray pony. We are sure that he realized the importance of the 
trust committed to his charge from the fact that as he trudged along or 
rode the pony over the hills and along the newly laid out highways, he 
duly appreciated the danger of being way-laid, robbed and murdered while 
ou his mission and with native New England forethought, wishing to be 



^ROM 1807—1817. 99 

prepared for tlie direst emergency carried, carefully folded away in his hat, 
his shroud. Poor Jimmie Green he has worn his shroud for many a year, 
but he never fell a victim to a mail robbery. 

In 1810 the first post-office, of which any record appears, was opened at 
the store of Calvin Hall, with John D. Leland as postmaster. The oldest 
inhabitant knows of none prior to this date. According to the Postmaster- 
General's report if any existed earlier the fire at "Washington destroyed the 
record of it. The charges established by the Provincial Congress were 
still in force. For a letter not exceeding sixty miles postage was 5 pence 
and 1 farthing. 

In the Cheshire Third church the disaffection continued to increase. 
The debt of Elder Covell, pledged to the Pittstown church in yearly in- 
stallments, must be paid, the wife and family of Elder Covell was still in 
their midst with but little or no means of support after the husband aud 
father was snatched from his early labors, all of which made the members of 
the Third church heavy burden bearers, even though they unitedly put their 
shoulders to the wheel ; but the majority inclined to the opinion that those 
by whose advice the burdens had been incurred should meet them. These 
things, together with the sustaining of Elder Leland in his peculiar tenets 
which virtually deprived them of a pastor, were the bones of contention. 

In 1810, the church met and appointed a committee to attend to the col- 
lecting of the money from Hezekiah Mason, and his colleagues for paying 
the debt of Elder Covell. 

Rebelling under the loss of jjroperty, and smarting at what appeared to 
them the injustice of looking to Hezekiah Mason for the debt of the church, 
they resolved to apply to Elder Leland for a statement of his views of 
church order and discipline, and sent the following request to him, signed 
by "Ten Aggrieved brethren." 

"Dear and beloved Elder and Father in the gospel. Necessity urges us to com- 
municate our minds to you as friends and brethren. We pray the Lord to direct us 
to do it in asuitable becoming manner while we have some sense of our imperfections. 

While you served us in the ministry your gift was almost universally edifying and 
comforting to us, it evidently appeared that the Lord owned and blessed your labours 
for the good of souls, and the up building and edifying of the church. Since that we 
think we have some reason of gi'ief, for a long time you have neglected attending the 
appointments of the church and acting your part as a brother. We not only feel the 
want of your assistance but the effect that your example hath on others incouragino- 
them to neglect acting their part with us as brothers. Now dear brother we earnestly 
reqiiest that you will convince us that we are in error, or give us satisfaction for 
these things so that we may enjoy fellowship together which is the earnest wish aud 
desire of your brethren." 

C Natiiaxiel Bliss, Jonathan Richabdson, Zulphia Whipple, 
Signed: ^ James Cole, Eddy Mason, Susanna Bliss, Tempekance Whipple, 
( Beooks Mason, Israel Cole, Jk., Esther Richardson. 



100 HISTORY OP CHESHIRE. 

In reply to this request of a portion of his church, Elder Leland ap- 
pointed a church meeting for the 22d of August 1811, where he appeared 
and made the following statement of his reasons, saying : 

"1st. I have no doubt about the necessity of internal religion, nor of the great 
advantage of social worship, to preach, pray, and praise. 

2d. Some doubts have ever been in my mind, whether the advantage of what is 
called church order, more than compensates for the disadvantages. It is uppermost 
in my mind, however, that good church order is scriptural. 

3d. I lodge no complaint against communing with bread and wine ; but for myself 
for more than thirty years experiment I have had no evidence that the bread and 
wine ever assisted my faitli to discern the Lord's Body. I have never felt guilty for 
not communing ; but often for doing it. I have known no instance that God evidently 
blessed the ordinance for the conversion of sinners which often attends preaching 
praying, singing, and baptizing. 

4th. Putting all together the best conclusion that I can form is that church labor 
and breaking bread is what the Lord does not place on me any more than he did bap- 
tizing on Paul. 

5th. If the church can bear with me^while I possess these feelings, and let me do 
what I have faith and confidence in (which will be but a little while, for there is 
nothing left but a stump,) I shall be glad. Whenever I think I can do good, or get 
good I will attend church meeting, and whenever the doubts of my mind are removed 
I will commune. 

6th. If the church cannot bear thus with me, I wish them to give me a letter of 
dismission — such a letter as they can. 

7th. If such a letter cannot be given to me consistently with the order and dignity 
of the church, I suppose ex-communication must follow of course." 

John Leland. 

The above statement was put in writing, and in addition to it Elder Le- 
land stated verbally that he did not know of any rule in the Bible for the 
church to walk by if they undertook to attend to discipline. There was so 
much deception and craft made use of that it was almost impossible for 
right to take place, it often served to crush truth and cherish vice. 

During the meeting a resolution was offered and voted ujoon that nothing 
but immorality should demand the withdrawal of the fellowship of the 
Third church from its members, which was quite an innovation as prior to 
this, quarrelling, staying from church meetings, from communion, and 
various misdemeanors had been considered, and acted upon by these strict 
disciplinarians as ample cause for dismissal from the church. 

November, 1811, the "Ten Aggrieved Brethren," sent in the following 
protest: 

"Against the requests granted at our last church meeting we feel to make the fol- 
lowing statement which is our grief : 

1st. In granting a member liberty to attend or not to attend the appointments of 
the church which renders the covenant relation we stand in towards each other to be 
the feelings of the creature instead of subjecting ourselves to Christ and his laws. 



FROM 1807—1817. 101 

And in holdino; an administrator in fellowship who baptizes candidates without re- 
questing the fellowship of the (•hurch of which he is a member. 

Also a vote passed at the church meeting last, that the hand of fellowship shall not 
be withdrawn from any member excepting for immorality. 

Daniel Com an, Bkooks Mason, 

Eddy Mason, Jonathan Richardson, 

William Colson, Jk., James Cole. 

Chesuike, November 2Ist. l^sil." 

In addition to this protest and accorapanving it as it was folded and filed 
away is the following : 

"We think that the statement made by Elder, Leland, Aug. 22, lyil, which he 
called a compendium of his feelings is a very suitable description of his practice for 
ten years, which we think has been a great means to hinder and discourage the 
visibility of the church, if the advantages of what is called church order do not more 
than compensate for the disadvantages; are not Christians very unwise to attempt to 
form in social religious compact ?" 

During the winter of 1811, Elder Leland was sent to the Legislature in 
Boston from Cheshire where he labored untiringly in the opposition against 
ecclesiastical oppression. Two delegates to general court were sent from 
the town in the winter of 1811 — Elder Leland and Daniel Brown. 

During the absence of the minister quite an extensive revival broke out : 
but after his return the warfare in the church waxed stronger. 

In March, 1812, a council was called in which the ''Aggrieved Brethren," 
who were now arrayed against the church proper, appeared hoping to ar- 
rive at some understanding, but it was ignored by Elder Leland and his 
followers. 

May 16, 1812, still another meeting was appointed with the same results. 

In July, 1812, the Shaftsbury Association meeting at Stockbridge re- 
ceived two letters, each purporting to be from the Cheshire Third church, 
Dea. Jonathan Richardson appearing for the ''Aggrieved Brethren," and 
bearing their letter, Dea. Daniel Coman for the church that supported 
Elder Leland. 

Jonathan Richardson with the natural nobility of liis nature, saw and 
felt keenly the unpleasant condition of things, and regretted exceedingly 
the step taken by addressing the association in the name of the Third 
Cheshire church, and although believing this party to be justified in their 
grievances he expressed his regret to the church for -the unadvised and 
hasty move in addressing the Shaftsbury association. The latter bodv 
made an effort to reconcile the contending parties ; l)ut with no satisfactory 
results. 

In 1817 the Third Church withdrew from the Shaftsbury Association, 
which, according to the authoress of the " Life of Leland," was unfriendly 



102 HISTOBT OF CHESHIRE. 

to him, and went on alone. An indepenclent church. Elder Leland preach- 
ing to them, at intervals ; now and then some neighboring pastor would 
come over to administer the communion service, and part of the time the 
doors were closed and the pews unoccupied. As an old chronicler has it : 
" The church enjoyed a calm repose. " 

Among the noble men whose names brighten the pages of this local his- 
tory, and to whom it has never done full justice, is that of Jonathan Eich- 
ardson. He aimed to consecrate all things to the greater glory of God, and 
for this labored with a grand simplicity, and a pious effort. Once upon 
a time a poor woman was left a Avidow, a family of small children Avas to 
be supported, and many debts to be paid. Working hard to bring these 
ends about, she gathered together at last eighty dollars due to Jonathan 
Richardson, and sent a little son with it one cold, blustering day in the 
late fall, with orders to give it to Mr. Richardson and take his receipt for 
the same. This the boy did and it Avas all arranged satisfactorily. The 
next morning Avhile the Avidow was building her morning fire there came a 
rap at the kitchen door and upon opening it Mr. Richardson stood on the 
fiat door stone. "I haA^e been thinking," said he, ''That it's hard times, 
with a cold Avinter coming on, and yon have a good many mouths to feed, 
and it must be pretty hard work to make all things come out straight with 
the year, and I've concluded that it is far easier for me to do Avithout this 
money than it is for you, so I've brought it back again," and laying the 
money upon the table he Avas gone before the Avidow recovered from her 
first amazement. 

Among the pioneers coming from doAvn country during this epoch Avere 
Ephraim Farrington and Zebedee Dean, the latter but little more than a 
boy. They remained the first night at a house, near the Hoosac, at Scrab- 
town. Mr. Farrington took the land in 'New Providence, where Mr. Dean 
spent a long life, as he bought the place from Farrington at his majority, and 
Mr. Farrington Avent to New Ashford, where he still resides, the oldest in- 
habitant of that town. 

While the troubles in the church were shaking the religious life of Ches- 
hire the mutterings of war were abroad in the settlements again. Eng- 
land so lately beaten by colonial grit could not forget her love of oj)prcssion. 

The impressment of American seamen, the non-relinquishing of frontier 
forts, according to agreement, and the stirring up of strife among our In- 
dians Avere all causes of the war of 1812. When the " Orders in Council," 
were folloAved by the retaliatory decrees of Napoleon at Milan and Berlin, 
and all this by the American embargo, the declaration of Avar Avas inevitable. 
While through the county, and indeed the state, there Avas a large minor- 
ity that was opposed to the war, the town itself to a great degree was loyal. 



FROM 1 807—1817. 103 

Captain Joseph Bucklin of Cheshire, was the son of Darius Bucklin, 
brother of Mrs. Daniel Brown, while his mother, Hannah Brown, Avas sis- 
ter of the Captain. To Joseph Bucklin was given command of a company 
in the 9th Berkshire Regiment, in which were enlisted men from Cheshire. 
One company of this regiment was commanded by Winfield Scott, a 3'oung 
man winning his first laurels then. At Pittsfield, upon the grounds now 
occupied by the Maplewood Institute, a barracks and hospital were estab- 
lished, and according to Joseph Smith, Esq., Pittsfield's pleasing historian, 
2,500 men were quartered there ready for service. To each Avas given a 
bounty of $16 for five years and 160 acres of pu])lic land. Of the loyality 
of the town of Cheshire, and the feeling with which the inhabitants entered 
into the conflict, one can judge by reading the following paper, copied word 
for word from a document now extant, and dated July 12th, 1812: 

" At a loyal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Clieshire at the brick school 
house at three o'clock in the afternoon, made choice of Daniel Coman, moderator. 
Voted, To raise the soldiers wages who are detatched in this town. 
Voted, To raise their wages to eleven dollars per month, if the government do not 
raise them to that sum. 

Voted, Each soldier shall bring proof of the time he has served, and a regular 
discharge of his duty, and raise his pay six months after his discharge. 
Voted, To adopt the following resolutions : 

1st. Resolmd, That the declaration of war against Great Britain and her de- 
pendencies was dignified and just, and the only measure left for a nation to resort to 
that decrees they will bo free, and although we have long been convinced from 
the hostile, faithless, piratical, savage conduct of Great Britain which for half a 
century has deluged Europe and Asia, that her ambition would know no bounds, 
short of desolating this happy country. Yes ! Like misery she seeks for sociability 
yet it is left to the present day for her openly to avow that in her train to ruin not 
only the rich and opulent European, the peacefullndostan. but the patriotic and 
free-born American shall act a conspicuous part, thanks be to Heaven her mad career 
is arrested, and the genius of Liberty once more speaks with a voice that gladdens 
every patriot's heart. 

2d. Resolved, That the address of the Senate of the Commonwealth speaks the 
language of a Hancock, an Adams, and a Warren, in the days that tried men's souls. 
It animates, it clieers, it feeds that flame of Liberty which we are proud to say 
shall never but with death be extinguished, and then it shall be mingled with one last 
benediction to posterity. 

3d. Resolved, That we were the great f^imily of America as friends and will cor- 
dially unite with them in the support of our beloved government and constitution. 
But woe to the Tory, whether he be the Tory of the present day, or Ihe Tory of the 
revolution, whose means of information gave him an opportunity to forn; his opin- 
ions on principles. Their fatal influence has twice brought us to the brink of ruin. 
We thank Heaven we have escaped, and pledge ourselves that they never again shall 
have that opportunity. 

4th. Resolved, That the so-called Washington Benevolent Society, although 
formed of unauspicious plants, so long as they demean themselves as peaceable citi- 



> 



and Safety, 1812. 



104 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

zens, so long shall they be under the protection of government ; but should they be 
found in the support of a foreign government, of France, or of Great Britain, the 
vengeance of an indignant people will consume them, and the insignia of the Father 
of his Country shall be wrested by the eagle of America from such unworthy protec- 
tion and we do further 

Resoke, That a committee of safety and vigilance be now chosen to consist of a 
chairman and eight members one of whom shall be secretary. 

The said committee shall be authorized to watch over the public welfare, to deal 
with the hand of moderation and forbearance towards those, who from want of infor- 
mation, may be led to acts that they would abhor, were they sensible to tlie true state 
of our country ; but to those, who wilfully undertake by word, or by deed, to set at 
defiance the laws and constituted authorities of tlie United States; whose means of 
information preclude the possibility of acting ignorantly, let the vengeance of the com- 
mittee be dealt in that manner that sliall teach them that as free men we mean to 
live, and as free men we mean to die. 

Ma.jok Johx Lei.and, | 

Capt. Danikl Smith, j 

Col. Pktkb Wekden, 

Capt. Asahkl Pottek, I Committee of Viijilance 

Capt. Richard Coman, 

John Wells, Jun., Esq., 

Hezekiah Mason, Esq., 

Capt. Joxathan Fish, Jun. 
Capt. Dextek Mason, Chairman. 

The Pittsfield Sun of July, 1812, states that on the 3()th of that month the 
good women of Cheshire went down to Pittsfield laden with eatables of 
every name and kind for the soldiers, as a dinner was given to the regiment. 
The Cheshire ladies also showed their patriotic interest by knitting, dur- 
ing the winter, 143 pair of socks for them, besides mittens. One pair 
of these mittens we can trace at this distant day, and know that they kept 
one pair of hands from freezing before Quebec, and were woi'n through and 
through by the owner ere he could dispense with them that terrible winter. 
Daniel Eeed was a hardy farmer and had despised such a weakness as wearing 
mittens hitherto. But during the watches of that winter, on the wild 
tramp up the Kennebec, in his stay in front, and retreat from Quebec, the 
warm, home-knit mittens were his great comfort, which, when he wore 
them through at last, he darned and patched while sitting before the 
smoky camp-fire. 

In the possession of the family of Tolman Whitmarsh of Cheshire, may 
be seen an immense pewter platter, and some pewter basins, which were 
polished on the 29th of July, 1813, to the highest degree of brightness, and 
sent to the public dinner at Pittsfield, filled with toothsome viands for 
the soldiers located there. These soldiers were gathered around a mam- 
moth table in an open field and fed with rare dishes until everything was 
consumed and the great platters and two gallon basins were scraped. 



FROM 1807—1817. 105 

These soldiers encamped at Pittsfield, in the company of which Cap- 
tain Joseph Bucklin was the officer, and which belonged to the 9th Regi- 
ment, were our fighting soldiers of 1812. Late in the war when Governor 
Strong called on troops to fortify Boston, a regiment from Berkshire went 
on and in it were from Cheshire : Barton Bryant, Jerry Ross, Jesse 
Leonard, Erving Bryant, Clark Hoxie, Bill Walters, Benjamin Browning, 
Elisha Stafford, Spencer Jacques, and as their officer, Col. Harry Wilmarth. 

Elisha Stafford was a son of Col. Joab Stafford. Whether he was in any 
other detachment during the war of 1812, is not positively known, but it 
is certain that he died in 1813, from disease contracted during the service. 

Barton Bryant was drafted in this levy and walked all the way to Boston 
to report to his company. 

Spencer Jacques was in Captain Joseph Bucklin^s company at Lundy's 
Lane, Chippewa, Erie, Brownville and other engagements. 

Benjamin Browning served his country in 1835, in the war with the 
Seminoles mid the everglades of Florida, and again in the Mexican cam- 
paign of 1845. 

David Remington was drafted from Stafford's Hill, but like the hunter 
who would not join the hunt "■ Because the lion's whelps were abroad,"' 
nor the sailors to sail in the bay, ''Because the clouds were dark and the 
ship might go down," staid at home and hired a substitute. 

The hunters came home in glee, the sailors rode in safety over the har- 
bor bar, but an earthquake shock swallowed up the town and the hunter who 
remained at home. The soldiers returned from the battlefields of 1812 
and many lived to a green old age, while Daniel Remington went out, clad 
in a surtout, a muffler about his neck, and woolen mittens on his hands, 
well protected against the wiutery storm sweeping over the hill and never 
returned. In a hollow they found his form wrapped in its sleety shroud. 

The company under Captain Joseph Bucklin did worthy service for the 
American cause. Dr. Holland only gives the troops of Western Massachu- 
setts credit for going down to Boston when Governor Strong was frighten- 
ed by the threatened invasion of the foe along the sea coast, where they 
remained a month, had a good time generally, then bade the Governor 
good-bye, disbanded and returned home. This, no doubt, was Governor 
Strong's war, or an episode in it. His record, perhaps, was not as patriotic 
as it might have been, nor as brilliant as that of some. We claim more 
for our Berkshire companies than the Governor wanted them to do, and in 
these companies, the 9th and 21st, were the Cheshire men. Joseph Smith, 
Esq., in his history of Pittsfield says: "These Berkshire regiments were 
noted for their gallantry, efficiency and losses." A statement that could 
scarcely be true if all the serYicQthey did was confined to the ''forty days in 



106 HISTOKY OF CHESHIKE. 

camp, the extremely pleasant time, and the dress review on Boston Common," 
of Grov. Strong, Men who were officers in the 9th Eegiment tell of that July 
midnight, when Colonel Miller's voice rang out over the field of Lundy's 
Lane in the fearless words, " I'll try, sir !" as he went forward in compli- 
ance with his General's wishes to secure the hotly contested battery. They 
tell, as eye witnesses, of those other battles on the Niagara frontier, and 
again, many a story falling from the lips of some old soldier by the bar- 
room fire records their presence at Sacketts Harbor, and behind the en- 
trenchments at Plattsburg, where beyond the swiftly flowing Saranacs they 
held Prevost and his veterans, while McDonough won the day on Cham- 
plain. It was at Plattsburg that British prisoners were captured and taken 
to Cheshire. 

Among the band were many officers who owned valuable jewels, and 
could command money. It was not deemed safe to parole them at Pitts- 
field where lived many avowed Tories, and friends of King George were 
known to abound, so it was, that among the loyal yeomanry of Cheshire, 
homes were provided for them, and tlie drowsy tranquility which had 
hitherto reigned uninterruptedly in its streets was broken up, and they 
were made bright and noisy by the scarlet uniforms, and their wearers. 
There are a few in our midst to-day who remember these strangers, and tell 
anecdotes of their lives and doings. Many of them were young men. Men 
of rank in England, fond of pleasure and society. Some of them were at- 
tracted by the pretty faces, and pleasant manners of the young ladies of 
the day who in turn were gratified with attentions paid to them by these 
elegant men of nobility. It is said that their presence at the village merry 
makings made its impression upon the dress and style of the rustic belles, 
"who sought to make them what the fastidious Britons desired. Among 
the noblest and best remembered of these officers were Fox, Brighton, 
Eowe, Ross and Cresswick. The last two sought as wives daughters of two 
fiery patriots who scouted the idea of accepting into their households sons 
of the hated foe. Rowe, more fortunate won his wife. 

Being on parole they were allowed to prolong their walks, usually in 
numbers and with a guard, to a point where guide boards told that the 
town limits ceased. If the dance they wished to attend, or the lady fair 
upon whom they wished to call was beyond this point, they pulled up the 
post and planted it beyond the place. Many a sly flirtation was carried on, 
and some of the Englishmen began to consider America not so bad a place, 
after all, although taught to shiver at the very mention of the troublesome, 
ignorant rebels of the United States. 

Upon the brow of the hill leading down to the Kitchen, stood, in those 
days, a pretty, brown house, buried in a perfect wealth of shrubbery; tall 



FROM 1807—1817. 107 

trees shook their branches over the low roof, and through the narrow hall 
the perfume of flowers floated in summer days ; every where was the 
evidence of an ingenious woman's taste and fancy. From a sort of stoop at 
the rear of the house glimmered the garden, full of the sweet old time 
flowers, over the stone wall that bounded it, wild clematis, and creepers 
with scarlet flowers grew and bloomed at will. By the wayside glistened 
the smithy's forge, and here Tolman Whitmarsh hammered and sung, and 
laughed, the veritable picture of the village blacksmith. Gathered about 
this forge in rainy days the soldiers would recount the experiences of their 
captivity from tlie moment when they first found themselves, with dismay, 
in the power of the enemy, were relieved of their muskets, and marched 
away as prisoners, and indignation filled their manly faces as they related 
the story of that sunny, September day on Lake Champlain, of their belief 
that they went sailing up the little cove after the advance boat to victory, 
when suddenly the mask was thrown off, and the '^ Yankees," swarmed 
like bees all around them, leaped into their boat, headed it off shore, 
and conveyed them helpless to the Yankee lines. Around this forge 
they often joined in song until, to quote one who tells the story, " They 
almost raised the rafters," and, although their words were ''Highland 
Mary," and " Bonnie Dundee" they no doubt sang in heart to '"'English 
Nora" or "Dutch Kathleen," and thought of the yellow Avon, and the 
rushing Elbe. 

Around the post-office, where ever gathers a crowd in small country 
towns, was always seen an eager group clad in scarlet, awaiting the distri- 
bution of the mail. A word from friends, so far away, was a rarer thing 
then, than in the times of steam and ocean telegraphs, and to receive a 
letter one of the most cheering hopes of the day. 

Among these captive officers there were two whose names are often 
mentioned and who are remembered because of their " gay and festive " 
ways, their love of a good time and genial manners, Lieutenant Carr and 
Ensign Ladd. 

Many was the frolic they lent their hand to, and the mischievous pranks 
they played upon the sober going villagers. Houses were thrown open for 
the board and lodgings of the foreign soldiers. Many were quartered at 
Capt. Daniel Brown's, and the great garret turned into a dormitory. Aunt 
Freelove's large hall with its swinging partitions was utilized during these 
times, as well as the rooms in Mr. Hall's tavern opposite the church. 
At Levi Mason's, who lived where Liberty Hammond now owns the proper- 
ty, there was a detachment, and on the farms of William P. Bennet, and 
Mrs. Brown, as well as many other places accommodations were procured. 
To six ofiQcers were usually three waiters. Many of the men, some of 



108 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

whom were Hessians, were allowed to hire out to the farmers and lumberers 
of the town. Upon a rock just below Mrs. Eoselle Lane's was to be seen 
until within a few years the autograph of these men where they had cut 
their names, the work of some idle moment probably. Perhaps, done on 
some sunny day when wandering over the fields, and dreaming of the 
sweethearts waiting for them in their far off island home. 

It so chanced, that Lieutenant Carr, Ensign Ladd, and others of the 
same stamp, were quartered at the Hall tavern. One stormy night, when 
all resources for amusement seemed exhausted, they secured a strong wire, 
and in the late twilight young Ladd stole across the sti'eet, climbed up the 
belfry stairs, and to the iron tongue of the huge bell attached the wire 
which he put through the window shutter, closed the doors, and retraced 
his steps, introducing the other end of the fine, almost invisible wire, to 
their own room, they retired at an early hour, and were soon apparently 
wrapped in deep, heavy slumbers. It was when the clocks were striking 
for midnight that the church bell began to peal forth its wildest notes, 
sounding across the Cheshire green, arousing the good people from their 
slumbers, windows were thrown open, doors unbarred, heads thrust out, 
and as the jubilant notes thrown from off the iron tongue pealed louder and 
faster, echoing down the valley, and resounding from the hills, the folk 
began to muster, the lanterns glimmered all over the common, the old and 
young, men and women, villagers, and farmers on panting steeds, all 
gathered in hot haste, and beneath the starless night, and in the dripping 
rain inquired breathlessly of one another, ''What of the night ?" 

On the low land from Capt. Brown's garden to the river stretched the 
unbroken meadows of the Hoosac. Here the officers laid out their ground 
for foot ball, and here daily in fine weather they played matched games. 

Down by the river they spread their long tables with such viands as they 
most desired, never forgetting the finest brands of liquors and wine, with 
immense wooden and pewter bowls filled with loaf sugar crushed into 
pieces of a proper size, and tankards of water. Here the beaten side marched 
with the winners whom they treated to whatever their fancy dictated. 

At last Lieutenant Carr and Ensign Ladd for want, possibly, of anything 
better to employ the time professed conversion to the American cause, 
doffed their becoming scarlet uniforms, joined the American Army, re- 
ceived the bounty, and, truth compels us to say it, deserted — went over 
the Canada line where once again installed in King George's army they 
were in the battle of Waterloo, and helped to swell the list of England's 
slain on that victorious field. Mr. Smith states that Dr. H. H. Childs of 
Pittsfield was physician in charge of all these prisoners, both soldiers and 
marines, with rank and pay of Hospital Surgeon, and power to appoint his 



FROM 1807—1817. 109 

own assistants. Dr. Isaac Hodges was a native of Savoy, practising his 
profession at this date on Stafford's Hill and was the physician known here 
to have the care of the sick among the foreign soldiers. He probably re- 
ceived his appointment from Dr. H. H. Childs of Pittsfield. No doctor 
however skilled is able to defeat death always and a low grave on the hill- 
side beneath the verdure and the flowers bears witness to his unerring 
archery. A cold, gray stone by the side of which succeeding generations 
of the village people have stood with a sigh of tender pity for the young 
soldier — dead on a foreign shore — records that, "Here lies Ensign Eoberts 
of His Majesty's Light Infantry.'' 

In September 1814, two strangers were arrested in the village supposed 
to be spies. At the close of 1814, the peace of Ghent settled the war, and 
the soldiers, Britons and Hessians, who had been increasing through 1814, 
were gathered together for the last march in America. They had played 
their last game of foot ball on the grassy, Hoosac meadows, they had bid- 
den a final good-bye to the scenes and friends of their captivity, taken 
hurried farewells from the girls with whom they had danced, and strolled 
in leafy lanes at sunset, some of them parting as lovers part, and to the 
sound of the bugle and the drum the procession wound slowly over the 
hills to Pittsfield where joining their brothers at the cantonment, they were 
taken by march to Canada, thence to England, to fight under the Iron 
Duke of Wellington against Napoleon. 

In 1816 the post-office was removed to Scrabbletown and kept by 
Edmond Foster in a building that stood beyond the river crossing. Cap- 
tain Edmond Foster entered the regular army prior to the war of 1812. 
His papers of admission were signed by Thomas Jefferson, and those of his 
dismissal by James Madison. He was in some of the most important 
battles of the war and was a Captain in the 9th Berkshire Eegiment. He 
had two brothers William and Charles, the former was First Lieutenant, 
and the latter Second Lieutenant in different companies. Winfield Scott 
was Captain also in this same regiment, just beginning, then, to enter upon 
that path of glory which widened in the Mexican war and culminated 
in the rebellion. Foster was wounded at Chippewa, and for bravery was 
breveted Major. After the prisoners were quartered at Pittsfield and 
Cheshire, Major Foster was given charge of a cantonment in both places. 
This brought him frequently to this village and to the home of Captain 
Daniel Brown, where quarters were given to some in the spacious garret. 
Here he met and married Sally, second daughter of Captain Brown, and 
settled in Cheshire. He died at Hoosac, N. Y. His family is scattered. 
Mrs. Foster died at an advanced age in Cheshire. One son and one 
daughter with several grandchildren still reside there, two daughters, Mrs. 



110 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

"William G. "Waterman and Mrs. Justis Lane have lived for many years in 
Illinois and one son Lieutenant D. B, Foster died in the fall of 1883, 

Up to 1816, no fires were allowed in the meeting house to worship God 
by. All were clad in heavy clothes. Gentlemen wore "great coats" 
tippets, and striped mittens. Ladies fortified themselves with foot stoves, 
a square box-like affair, made of tin, perforated with holes, and a drawer 
at the bottom, in which was put the last thing before leaving home, some 
red coals, and perhaps a firebrand. A bail served to carry the article, and 
placed upon the floor of the pew, the feet of the owner upon it, the good 
woman found it no uncomfortable arrangement as she tucked herself away 
in the corner of the high-backed, ancient pew. A paper, dated 181G, tells 
that certain members of the Third church undertake to provide stoves and 
pipe, and if it proves a failure, return to the donors the money they donate. 
In 1816 the town votes to pay the soldiers of the war of 1812, $15 per 
month beside the government prices for their services during the conflict. 

In 1812 Elder John Leland published some essays upon religious topics in 
a pampblet form. They were, says the Pittsfield Sun, on fine paper of 
handsome type and interesting matter. 

In 1816 Allan B. Green was doing business at the carpenter and joiner 
trade. 

In 1810, Captain Brown gave the land from the Hoosac river, past the store 
of R. M. Cole, through the village, for a new road, and it was laid out as it 
exists to-day. He then closed the one first surveyed, farther to the north, 
and over the hills, the new one merging into the old at the foot of the 
Kitchen Hill. 

Early in this era Samuel Smith's family setted at Stafford's Hill, and in 
1812, Mr. Bliss (father of Charles and Eachel Bliss) purchased the farm 
now owned by Philo Leonard. At his home down east he had been burned 
out, and in beginning again preferred ne^v surroundings. Mr. Loomis 
carried on the carding and fulling business at Scrabbletown and was suc- 
ceeded by his son Luther, who also manufactured cheese boxes. 

In January, 1816, a very remarkable natural phenomenon was witnessed 
by the residents of the town. A heavy fall of snow commenced toward 
nigbtfall. None of the flakes were smaller than a ''four pence ha' penny 
bit," and during the night as they fell steadily and straight to the earth 
they were accompanied by terrific thunder bolts, and brilliant light- 
ning flashes, that gave every house and hill and spire the appearance of 
liquid fire. Dr. Gushing riding over the hills toward home at midnight 
drove his horse close to a wayside smithery that he might ascertain if 
possible what it was that wrapped the sides of the rude building, its roof, 
steps, and window panes in vivid red. Taking his long whip^, while hia 



FROM 1807—1817. Ill 

horse crouched almost to the earth in affright at the thunder peals and 
sharp lightning chains, he scraped off from the building a little pile of 
its covering and held it in his hand. It was only snow — pure and color- 
less as ever fell from the clouds — and the doctor drove home satisfied 
that some peculiar condition of the atmosphere caused the delusion. 



CHAPTER Vi. 



FROM 1817 1827. 



CHEESE BUSINESS. FARMERS. COTTON MANUFACTURES. JONATHAN 
FARNUM. STAGES. DAVID SMETH. GENERAL TRAINING. ELNATHAN 
SWEET CALLED TO THIRD CHURCH. HEZEKIAH MASON. CHURCH DIS- 
CIPLINE. EDDY MASON. SQUIRE JAMES BARKER. WILLIAM BROWN. 
THE VILLAGE INN. CULTIVATION OF FLAX. DANIEL CHAPMAN. 

In days of peace there is a charm in reviewing the military history 
of our country; a fascination in reading of the stirring campaigns, as seated 
at ease, one watches a general move a regiment or brigade like a rook, on 
the board, sweeping down upon an unguarded queen. But, in fact, there 
is more charm in the peaceful avocations of life, and during the decade 
which now commences the tide of improvement was flowing rapidly onward. 
Changes showing progress since the infancy of the settlement were visible 
on every hand. Some one has said that " Genius was only taking trouble," 
and in the mills and industries much careful painstaking was seen, which, 
perhaps, laid the foundation for the manufacturing successes and the 
colossal fortunes the years have known. 

Russell Brown, son of Caleb Brown, who watched the howling wolves on 
Pork Lane was doing business in a store near the house of Mrs. George 
Slaid, which house and store, built by Eli Greene, he owned for many 
years. He was a speculator in cheese, buying dairies from the farmers all 
around. While the business carried on at the village in various ways serv- 
ed to add to its life and the number of its houses, yet the farmers on the 
surrounding farms of this town have ever been its backbone and its sinew, 
they have been the corner stone of all prosperity, and to their intelligent 
care and patient toil, to the plodding lives, and untiring labor of the far- 
mer's wives is due the success the town met, and the name it won so high 
on the roll of the dairying interests. Russell Brown on the hill, and Mosce 
Wolcott at the foot of it, were the places that led in this business of dairy 
buying. Moses Wolcott had associated his son, N. K. Wolcott, with him 
in the mercantile and speculating business. The latter was also appointed 



PROM 1817—1827. 113 

postmaster in 1818. The cheese bought by these parties was stored in their 
rooms sometimes for weeks, sometimes longer. They were arranged on 
long, narrow shelves, care observed that they should not touch each other. 
At stated intervals some person, way-wise in the business, turned and rub- 
bed them to prevent moulding. To properly cure them for market, and man- 
age them well was a very particular task, as to gain an unvarying reputation 
of sending the best brands of cheese to the city markets was to win a for- 
tune. The teamsters who plied the business of carrying these large dairies 
to " the river," at Troy or Schoodac, drove their long wagons, constructed 
for the purpose, to the doors of the cheese house, and loaded up the night 
before the start; frequently the cheese were packed in casks. At about 
half past three they made the first move, and by the time the sun was well 
up in the eastern sky they would be driving into Hancock across the Taconics, 

Watering and feeding the span of horses, taking their own morning meal 
they were off again and a little past noon, stopping at a wayside inn, 
they dined and refreshed after the morning ride, entered Troy at two. 
Driving to the wharf, they shipped the load of cheese for New York, 
returned to the busy streets, when, taking on a load of flour to sell at the 
stores of Brown or Wolcott, they turned toward home, spending the 
night at the inn just out from the city, they dined at Hancock and reached 
home for supper. Although occupying more time than a trip to Troy 
does to-day it was pretty good speed for the means they had at command. 

A cotton factory was established during this decade at Cheshire Harbor 
by Elisha Jenks who owned and carried it on for many years. It was 
running successfully at his death and passed into the hands of other busi- 
ness men so that the busy hum of loom and spindle still greets the ear and 
the little " Boro" holds its own. 

Russell Brown was engaged in cotton mills at Adams (South Village), as 
early as 1817. He was interested in a cotton factory built by a stock company 
arrangement. Caleb and Manning Brown were also in the manufacturing 
business at different times. 

In the beginning work was given from these factories to Cheshire women, 
who took the cotton when spun and wove it in their looms, returning many 
yards of cloth annually to the mills. 

To a descendant of a Pork Lane family it has been given to amass a for- 
tune that would be great wealth to all of our Americans, save perhaps, to 
the few ; but to any one commencing with little and making it by his own 
energies and capabilities, it is more than colossal. 

In the month of November 1819, another peculiar exhibition of nature 
alarmed the people, causing them to believe that the ' 'times and half a times, " 
were indeed all told, and the last day right at the door. Arising on the morn- 



114 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

ing of the 9 th of the month they found a darkness all around them, that the 
advancing morning did not dissipate. The clocks told the hour of sunrise, 
but " Old Sol " for once was not on time. Eagerly all the people watched 
his coming ; but a dull leaden cloud covered the whole sky ; a yellow 
gloom settled upon the entire landscape. Candles were lighted in every 
house. In some instances people were too much affrighted to rise from their 
beds, but waited in terror for the end. A little past midday the gloom 
brightened a trifle, it was, however, several days before the sun broke out 
and then it appeared a small white ball, cold and shorn of its glory. Many 
claimed that its efficacy was all gone, that never again would it heat the 
ground or ripen the golden corn ; that the rich, hot days of other summers 
would never be known again, a fallacy which time dissipated as it has 
many another. 

In the spring of 1827 Daniel Brown put in fourteen water looms at 
Cheshire Harbor. As the men worked at their task people stopped often to 
watch them, or dropped in to inquire how the job progressed. Many a 
wise business man shook his head and smiled with pity at the folly of such 
an outlay,ashe wondered how any one could be so foolhardy as to take such 
a risk, or be so stupid as to suppose that the cloth of fourteen looms would 
ever be needed or sold. They would be compelled to store it while waiting 
for market, and the slow sales would destroy all profits. 

Captain Charles Converse and Anthony Burton opened a wagon shop on 
the hill, and James Brown bought out the smithy's forge with its four 
fires. This James Brown was grandson of Abraham Brown ; so also were 
Luther and Thomas Brown, well-known by a later generation. Daniel 
Brown, son of Abraham, married Nancy, second daughter of Captain Brown, 
and was father of Luther Brown. Luke, also son of Abraham, was the 
father of Thomas. 

Jonathan Farnum came into the country at an early day, (1796,) settling 
at the Hill. He was a butcher and done a lively business. He carried 
calves and young stock to "the river" in a long peculiar shaped vehicle 
with a cover, to which was given the name of " the ark." 

In 1833 stages were put upon the road running through Cheshire. Some 
routes had been founded in other parts of the state prior to this ; but trav- 
eling by private conveyance was largely practiced throughout the states, 
and there was comparatively little known of stage coaches before 1800. 

Ladies traveled alone on horseback, taking long journeys, riding late 
in the evening, fearing no evil, and meeting none. If such a traveler 
chanced to pass a stranger on some lone unfrequented road, he simply said 
" Good evening, mistress," and pursued his way. It sometimes happened 
that when the smoky October days came, when the busy time for the Berk- 



FROM 1817—1827. 115 

shire farmers was over and a horse could be spared, the young wife would 
long to see the sweet home she had left down at Swansy or Rehobeth, or 
still more distant Taunton or Warwick, a homesick feeling would follow 
her as she thought of the placid face of the old mother sitting on the broad 
stoop those soft October afternoons, the father by her side reading from 
the page of The Book, or perhaps chatting with a neighbor who had leaned 
over the garden gate a minute to inquire of the '*up country" people. A 
strong desire would come over her to wander once again through the Swansy 
garden, or press the soft green grass of Taunton Green, and if any in the set- 
tlement were going " down east," the wife would take the baby, mount the 
pony, and go in company the long journey. 

The stages of 1833 were a section of the great thoroughfare from Boston 
and Albany running through Stephentown, Hancock and Lanesborough. 
Coming from beyond the mountains towards the west, as they ai)proached 
the town of Cheshire, they plunged abruptly down a defile among the hills 
that led to the settlement called " Thunder, " with its low school house and 
blacksmith shop. Lumbering up the opposite slope they made the decline 
over the hill at the right — as the brook road was then a bank of tangled 
ferns and wild undergrowth — and so into the hollow known as the Kitch- 
en, where, passing the saw and grist-mill, crossing the rustic bridge that 
spanned the brook, they clattered up the stony highway, now a narrow, disused 
lane back of the house owned by Calvin Ingalls, by the Six Principle 
church, along a way long since closed, but clearly defined by a growth of 
low trees and bushes, down to the main street, which it crosses at a point 
near to the old burying-ground. At this point the driver of the coach 
sounded the loud tally-ho horn, turned his horses' heads toward the tavern 
of Moses Wolcott below the hill, and 'mid the admiring gaze of the chil- 
dren on the green before the brick school house — who stopped their plays at 
recess to make their manners to the strangers — dashed up between the Lom- 
bardy poplars and the great stone steps of the inn, where all was bustle 
and stir. The travelers weary with their long ride over the rough, hilly 
roads, leaped eagerly to the ground, and were soon regaling themselves 
with the generous fare provided, while Aunt Freelove was one moment serv- 
ing the brown bread, pork and beans, hot, juicy steak and mealy potatoes, 
and the next, in her husband's momentary absence, dealing rum and cider 
brandy through the little gate before the bar with equally deft hand. Out- 
side, before the porch and along the platform, merry jokes were cracked, 
the smoking, panting horses were exchanged for fresh relays, brought from 
beneath the sheds at the rear of the yard, attached to the coach and the 
moment of departure announced by the driver. The mail was brought 
from the post-office, thrown on the top of the vehicle, the travelers clamber- 



116 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

ed to their seats, the driver mounted his box, and they whirled away up 
the village street, past the church, over the hills to the east. 

David Smith who had kept his tavern on the Hill removed about this time 
to the place where Shubal Lincoln now lives, opened a tavern for a stage 
house and received also the appointment of postmaster. This was called 
the Half- Way House, and when the trip [from Albany to Northampton 
required two days for its accomplishment the night was spent at this house 
by all the passengers, and the road taken at an early hour next morning. 

Mrs. J. Bucklin is a daughter of David Smith and remembers with per- 
fect distinctness the arrival of the stages, which was the daily event of 
importance — the one ripple from the outside world — remembers the grand 
looking coaches, red and yellow, with their wide seats, cushioned with 
green or red morocco, making them soft and easy ; the middle seat being 
supplied with a back by a broad leather band which hooked from side to 
side, after those who occupied the farther seats were in their places. Through 
Savoy, Plainfield, Deerfield, they found their way to Northampton, where 
we will leave them for the historian of these towns to carry them on their 
farther journey. 

The coaches, on the line from the south, left Pittsfield at about one 
o'clock in the afternoon transversed the shores of the beautiful lake which 
bears its Indian name Pontoosuc, wound over the hills of the old road, past 
the Amos Pettibone farm and Nathimiel Bliss's, rounded the curve by the 
cluster of mammoth elms and the gambrel-roofed house of Dr. Lyon mem- 
ory, at which point a long blast announced to Aunt Freelove the time to 
place her smoking viands on the table in the long dining room, and to the 
postmaster to have the mail all ready, for the stop was short, and North 
Adams must be reached at six o'clock. This was a branch of the through 
route to Northampton. Mr. John Burt, whose venerable form is often 
seen on our streets, owned that section of the route from Hancock to 
Stafford's Hill in its very infancy. Otis Peck and Porter Peck were two 
of the first drivers who drove the coaches from Northampton to Pittsfield. 
Three days were occupied in performing the entire route from Albany to 
Northampton. 

Another diversion was made and many small towns and hamlets accom- 
modated by putting on a line of stages which run from Troy over the 
mountains, crossing through New Ashford they went over Jones's Nose, 
down the mountain side by a road sometimes known as the Bellows Road, 
turned at a point where are now the ruins of a saw-mill owned by D. B. 
Brown, and so around to the South Village in Adams, from thence up the 
valley to North Adams and Williamstown. 

The military lessons taught by the two wars with England, the long and 



FROM 1817—1827. 117 

sanguinary revolution which declared the independence of the colonies, and 
left them the United States under a republican form of government, and 
the shorter war of 1813, which did, in very truth, make their independ- 
ence an assured thing, had evoked a feeling that it was necessary to main- 
tain these lessons, therefore the institution of general training was in vogue 
for a long term of years, and a thorough drill was the consequence. This 
day was a gala day and crowds assembled where they could view the 
vilhige, the green, and watch the gaily dressed officers and soldiers that 
they trained in true military style. Many who recall these training days, 
among the memories of an era gone by forever speak with the greatest 
admiration of General William Plunkett, whose imposing form and pres- 
ence, when acting as commandant could not be forgotten. This gentleman, 
although never a resident of Cheshire, was associated in business at one 
time with Kussell Brown, married his wife here, and had many friends 
among the people. He was elected as general in 1827. 

The Cheshire Third Church, after 1817, had no settled pastor until 1820, 
when Elnathan Sweet, a young minister from Stephentown, was invited to 
come over and preach to the people, an invitation that he accepted, preach- 
ing from the text : 

" I ask, therefore, for what intent have ye sent for me ? " 

The answer given by the church to this question was as follows : 

" To preach the gospel without deviation, to administer the ordinances of God's 
House, to indulge and forbear with Elder Leland's peculiar tenets, and not mix in 
any way with the troubles of the * Aggrieved Brethren.' " 

The church, believing that Elder Sweet agreed to these conditions, en- 
gaged him, and he became their accepted and popular pastor. Under his 
ministrations the people flocked to the House of God, the pews were filled 
and the galleries echoed once more with the voice of song and praise. As 
time went on Elder Sweet conversed occasionally with the aggrieved party 
and so palpable did the way seem to him, from his standpoint, that he could 
not avoid the feeling that a little persuasion, and the right word would con- 
vince Elder Leland of the great benefit it would be to the church if he 
could walk with it in its ordinances, therefore he lent his influence to the 
calling of a meeting at which Rev. Mr. Hull from Berlin was present as 
moderator and at which the following vote was taken : 

" Upon a review of sentiments contained in a certain paper written by Elder John 
Leland, bearing date August 22, 1811, which sentiments go to undermine church dis- 
cipline and table communion, which sentiments as far as they go to undervalue the in- 
stitution, we disapprove of and have no fellowship with. And now, as children to a 
father, to Elder Leland, as a church we entreat you to renounce these sentiments that 
we might take the bread at your hands. Nevertheless, if Elder Leland cannot see 
the above as an error, we still feel to bear with him, praying the Lord will show it 



118 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

to him, and that he will be faithful in the discharge of those duties which he can go 
forward conscientiously in." 

Elder Leland was in New Ashford at the time, but as the narrator of old 
tells the tale, was swiftly notified of the manoeuvre, and whence it arose. 
He was greatly grieved, quoting from his own words : 

" That Elder Sweet whom I have intrusted in the nature of God's Kingdom, foster- 
ed in the bosom of my own affections, and introduced into Cheshire, should turn from 
and enter a conspiracy against me." 

The church was grieved, too. ''Elder Sweet's popularity somewhat sul- 
lied." A meeting was called to talk matters over, Elder Loland came over 
from New Ashford. Nothing could be effected. Elder Leland had seen 
no reason to change his views. The church had promised to forbear and 
wait upon him, and they could see no reason to change. Some of the mem- 
bers who had learned to sympathize with Elder Sweet were excommunicated, 
and together with the aggrieved, and those who had never joined any 
church, were the nucleus around which a new one was started, and which 
the year 182-4 found fairly in operation, under the name of Elder Sweet's 
Church. And from this time for several years there were two churches of 
the same faith and practice at Cheshire Corners. 

The Third church was somewhat puzzled as to the best mode of action. 
Elder Leland preached to them, and in the fall of 1826, John Vincent was 
ordained so that he conld act as administrator and officiate upon occasions 
of communion. But the times were somewhat gloomy, the trials were sore 
and grievous, there appeared to come no more seasons for Zion to prosper. 
There were no more additions, the disagreements and revolutions had re- 
duced this once strong body to one hundred members, and at that point it 
bid fair to remain, except as lessened now and then by death and removal. 

Hezekiah Mason who had ever been an influential member of the church 
had, as will be remembered, been a great admirer of Elder Covell, and 
upon him the original church had been inclined to thrust the somewhat 
onerous burden of meeting the pledged debt. 

In June 1811, we find the death of Sally, wife of Hezekiah Mason, who 
died aged 57 years leaving 12 children and 18 grandchildren. In November 
1811, this notice appears in the paper: 

"Married at Stephentown, N. Y., by Eev. Benjamin Sheldon, Hezekiah Mason, Esq., 
of Cheshire, Mass., to Miss Elizabeth Sheldon, daughter of the officiating clergyman." 

Hezekiah Mason moved to Stephentown at this time, and the loss of his 
name on the church and town books is very noticeable. He is brought 
back once more. On that last ride to the tomb, for he rests where he pre- 
dicted he should in the long ago when he walked over the hills with Uncle 
Stephen Northrop. 



FROM 1817—1827. 119 

Elder Elnathan Sweet's church attached itself to the Shaftsbury Associa- 
tion in 1836 numbering only thirty a small part of those who were members 
at the time the meeting house was erected ; but blessings seemed to follow 
and in 1833 there are 50 names on the list of membership. 

Human nature holds its own, and that these early Christians met with 
the same trials that come to their children, and that they succeeded no 
better than do their descendants, is clearly evident. 

At a church meeting held August 2d, 1800, is found the following 
record, and one may pause a momeut to picture the astonishment, and 
horror with which the devout brothers and sisters must have listened to the 
words of Brother B. who asserts in open meeting: 

"We do not know that Christ ever made a public prayer. The Bible is no better 
than an old almanack, and all forms are nothing and we are in great error." 

Sister Daniel Carpenter must have been a woman somewhat in advance 
of the time. She did honor to her husband's home, and doubtless helped 
him much in amassing the fortune he left. Her daughters were reared as 
ladies, and although the Deacon insisted that they should be taught to spin, 
and to manage all cooking and dairy affairs, they kept help which, tradition 
says, they frequently coaxed into doing the "stents" given them to do, spin- 
ning their rolls and hatchelling the flax. Sister Carpenter with her mani- 
fold duties, could not always manage the monthly church meetings; but 
met with admirable coolness the efforts of the stern deacons, and church 
committees who tried so hard to lead her in the path that is narrow and 
straight for the children of men. As frequently as every alternate month 
they went to confer with Sister Carpenter concerning the "feelings of her 
mind," and returned reporting to the church that were in meeting assembled 
that they found her in " a comfortable state," whereupon a vote is taken to 
forbear yet a little longer, and two months later the committee men would 
start out on another expedition up to the Capenter homestead to inquire of 
the mind of its busy mistress. 

March 3rd 1821, Joseph Seagrave is admitted by letter from the church 
at Woodstock, Conn., and chosen clerk by the Cheshire First church in 
place of Allan Brown moved away. March 20th 1823, Joseph Seagrave 
left Cheshire and Levi Mason is church clerk. Eddy Mason was son of 
Brooks Mason, anearly settler; he was blessed with a family of far more than 
common ability. To each member he gave a good education ; Jane Mason 
attended school in Central New York, two sons Alanson P. and Sumner E. 
Mason studied theology at Hamilton and were ordained to the ministry. 
Sumner R. was settled at or near Boston ; taking the train one Saturday 
afternoon, to meet an appointment made to speak in some rural pulpit on 
Sunday morning, the gifted minister fell a victim to a railroad disaster. 



120 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Alanson P. has been acting in some of the religious departments of the 
Baptist church for many years although not in active preaching. 

When Jane Mason was a girl of scarcely twenty, she promised to become 
the wife of one Hasbrock who was studying for the ministry at Hamilton. 

It was in 18i6 that the call came from Burmah, from the faithful baud 
of missionaries toiling beneath the torrid sun. This call was sent on to 
Madison University for volunteers, and six young men responded, among 
them Hasbrock. Intent upon his preparations, for there was but a short 
time before the day appointed to sail, he asked one of the brothers to go 
and break the tidings to his sister. 

Arriving at the school, Mason rang the bell, and was ushered into the 
parlor where he was soon joined by his sister. After the first greetings 
were spoken Mason continued: 

"Jane, could you be ready, do you think, in just two weeks to sail with 
Hasbrock for Burmah as a missionary ?" 

Confused by the sudden announcement hidden in the question, per- 
ceiving from the solemn earnestness of the manner that her brother was 
dealing with facts, she answered while the tears crowded to her eyes. 

" Yes, I can be ready in as many days if it be the Lord's will." 

Then she listened to the story of the demand for workers, of her lover's 
service, and the ship at anchor in the offing ready for them to embark. 

In two weeks all things were ready, and the bride stood by the side of 
her missionary husband with all the good-byes spoken, and the shores of 
her native land disappearing from view. For nearly sixty years did this 
woman labor in Burmah, her husband went down at his post in middle 
life. Twice she returned to visit America. One son took his father's place. 

In 1883, she left the mission field that had grown up under her eye, and 
which had been familiar ground from its earliest infancy, and went home 
to meet the reward of a life spent in devotion to the nations in darkness. 

There were up to the close of this decade no lawyers to tell of in Cheshire. 
Squire Ezra Barker was justice of the peace, and understood law sufficiently 
to act as practitioner for all cases that required arbitration in the neighbor- 
hood. His excellent judgment enabled him to decide matters left to him 
with skill, and in a manner to give universal content. 

Squire Ezra Barker put up the large red house beyond the Hoosac whose 
chimneys may be seen from the village. There he lived for many years, 
dispensing a generous hospitality. He at one time owned eleven hundred 
acres of land in the heart of the village, his father having paid originally 
for some of it, a ninepence an acre. A sou of this Squire Barker was a suc- 
cessful physician in Madison, N. Y. 



FKOxM 1817—1837. 121 

It is a matter of tradition that Squire James Barker who was an intimate 
friend of Captain Brown urged him to come to the vilhige and biiikl a house 
next his own lot. 

The Captain moved from his farm known now as " Prospect farm" into 
a house often spoken of as the Hinman place and opposite the site of the 
present hotel. 

Squire Barker insisted upon making his friend a present of a building 
lot next to his own, and the friendly struggle ended in the erection of 
the elegant house. This building was up before the sawing of clapboards, 
and those for this house were riven as staves are split, they are of pine and 
it is said were all taken from one tree. 

The whole place stood, when finished, a model of beauty and taste. 
The high rooms and wide hall are the admiration of all who enter there 
even at this era. Half way down the spacious hall stood in the olden time 
a massive side board of half circular form, upon it was always spread a sil- 
ver server filled with crystal flasks in which were the different brands of fine 
liquors, a huge water pitcher, a sugar bowl filled with " sugar loaf," a holder 
containing tea sj)oons, and goblets, both glass and silver. Whoever called 
upon the Captain during the day was invited to halt at the side board, and 
fix for himself what pleased his fancy. 

None, probably, would need the assertion of the historian to convince 
him that there were many who never, whatever arose, forgot to walk around 
to inqv^ire after the Captain's health. 

While Captain Brown seemed to accept the present of Squire Barker, the 
latter did not live to see the consummation for in 1796, as we have said the 
Squire died and subsequently Captain Brown returned the price of the lot 
to his children. In 1818, Squire Ezra Barker died at Pittsfield where he 
had gone for treatment. 

In the old burying ground a tomb-stone marks the last resting place of 
James Barker upon which is engraved : 

"Here lies the Hon. James Barker, Esq." 
Probably every village in the land can boast among its inhabitants at 
sometime during its existence a person of original character, with natural 
wit, a keen sense of the humorous and ridiculous, a tact that enables him 
to see the weaknesses and foibles of his neighbors, and present them in a 
way so thoroughly good natured and bright, that all enjoy the fun save the 
one that is "hit," and he dare not be offended so joins in the general 
merriment. Such a character must have been William Brown, nephew of 
Captain Brown, son of Elisha Brown. 

He had acquired in some way the sobriquet of " Sweet Billy," given, I 
think, by himself, and the jokes perpetrated by him, the quaint, queer 



122 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

comments upon his neighbors, the verses composed in which the sly, half 
hidden doings of half a dozen years or more were brought to the surface, 
and thrown like a bomb shell before the public, would fill a volume if 
gathered together, and win for the perpetrator a fame as wide as that of 
Josh Billings or Nasby of the Cross Eoads. 

This does not come within our scope ; but we cannot pass the subject 
without relating one or two anecdotes of " Sweet Billy." 

One moonlight night just before Thanksgiving he was plodding home, 
wondering what the festive day would bring to him of pleasure. He had 
no turkeys that year, and Thanksgiving without a turkey! who ever heard 
of such a thing in New England ? 

Thus musing he passed the thrifty home of Captain Brown and lo ! in 
the orchard by the road side, in a low growing apple tree easy to climb was 
a troop of turkeys, young and fat, and quite the thing. 

Sweet Billy paused a minute, then giving a low whistle he pulled from 
his pocket a red string, which he fastened securely around the leg of the 
finest and best fowl ; then returning to the high way he turned in at the 
gate, went down the yard and knocked with his walking stick at the 
kitchen door of Captain Brown. 

The rap was quickly answered and the familiar face of the Captain ap- 
peared at the door, the tallow candle held in his hand above his head 
flickered in the evening wind, and sent its little ray of light down the yard 
and over the study frame of Sweet Billy, intent upon business. 

"Come in, come in,'' said Captain Daniel. '' Oh no," was the reply, 
"no, I can't come in. You ha'int got no stray turkey among your'n, 
have you ?" 

"No, I don't think so. I saw 'em when they come in to-night and there 
was'nt no strange one, as I see. Why ? 

" Oh, I am without a Thanksgiving turkey, he must have broke his 
string I reckon, and got off, and I thought as how, mebbe he'd strayed 
along o' yours. If he should be here the feller'd have a red string, most 
likely, about his left leg, for I tied him with a red string." 

" We can soon fix that Billy. You wait till I get the lantern and we'll 
go an' look at mine, they roost gen'rally out yonder in the apple trees, an' 
if there's one with a red string round his left leg why it's your'n, for mine 
ain't tied up, none on 'em." 

So saying. Captain Brown lighted the lantern, and the two took their 
way across the yard to the orchard, where with the lantern they looked 
over the brood of turkeys, and soon found the " feller," tied with the red 
string, which Sweet Billy exhibited with triumph. 



FKOM 1S17— 1827. 123 

" Sure enough/' exclaimed the Captain the fowl must be your'n, he is a 
mighty fine one say I." And Billy shouldered the turkey, and walked 
home, chuckling by the Avay. Thanksgiving came, the turkey was cooked 
in grand style with all the accompaniments in the way of yegetables, 
pumpkin pies, brown bread, etc., and soon many friends were invited to 
partake of the dinner, among the rest came Captain Brown and wife ; after 
the turkey was discussed and the meal nearly finished. Sweet Billy told 
the story in his happiest way making quantities of fun, not only for that 
day, but was repeated again and again by the bar-room fire; or when a band 
of neighbors in merry spirits gathered on the platform before the store of a 
summer afternoon. 

On another occasion Levi Mason who was an irascible old man, had a fine 
field of corn surrounding his house growing to the very door. 

One night in the fall when the nights were growing chill Mr. Mason was 
aroused by the ding-dong-ding of a cow bell in his corn field. Springing 
to his feet with the expression: '' There, wife, there's them pesky cows in 
the corn." He ran out without even drawing on a stocking, thinking to 
drive them out in a minute. 

The night was too dark to see, and the sound of the bell was all there 
was to tell what part of the field the cow was browsing. One minute the 
bell tinkled under the window of the farm house, the next a full, deep 
ding-dong came from the centre of the field, and a little later way in the 
farthermost corner a faint sound reached the ear while Uncle Levi ran 
hither and yon in a frantic manner, turning and doubling, as he sought to 
follow the sound giving vent to language more decisive than elegant as he 
expressed his opinion of cows in general, and that one in particular, until 
tired out, with patience all gone he went in to dress himself, and get his 
lantern. Whereupon Sweet Billy, carefully holding with his hand the 
clapper of the bell, stole noiselessly away. The next day he listened with 
demure face to Uncle Levi's story of chasing the "pesky cow," sympathized 
with him as he related it. and wondered with him how they got in, or how 
got out, but the story leaked out. 

In 1831 the town voted that each family have the privilege of turning 
one cow giving milk into the road, and nothing more. 

March 31st, 1823, Rev. Samuel Bloss left Cheshire. Revs. Elnathan 
Sweet, Ezekial Skinner, and Samuel Savory oflficiated on different Sundays. 
May 15, 1825, Elder Noah Y. Bushnell was called upon to preach for the 
First Cheshire church. He was appointed as church clerk, and for a long 
term of years presided over the parish. 

In 1819, Elder Leland was called by the Baptist church of Pittsfield to 
become their pastor ; but preferring a broader field and feeling conscien- 



124 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

tiously that his work in the church was that of an evangelist rather than a 
pastor, he declined the call, although a flattering one, and remained 
among his friends of long years standing. 

In 1825 Alpheus Smith of North Adams moved to Cheshire, and rented 
the tavern of Moses Wolcott; for some reason not possible to ascertain at 
this remote day the arrangement was short lived. In 1826 Moses and Aunt 
Freelove were at the helm again, and in 1827, Mr. Nathaniel Waterman 
entered as proprietor which place he held until 1835, when Mr. Allan Tucker 
from Milford near Boston took possession and was known for many years as 
the genial pleasing landlord. Small in stature he was lithe of limb and ac- 
tive, was always at hand to add to the comfort of his guests. The bar room 
always wore a bright and cheery look as very many of those living to-day 
can testify. In cool days, a bright fire of hard wood logs burned upon the 
hearth of the open fire place, arm chairs stood all about the nicely swept 
room, where the morning sun lay in bars of silvery light all the wintry 
morning hours, and where the villagers dropped in from time to time dur- 
ing the day to inquire of the news and to chat a while with the neighbors 
already seated around the bright fire. These old fashioned inns by the 
way-side were an institution that passed from existence when the era of 
steam dawned, went out with the stages. They, perhaps, might be voted 
slow by the rising generation, but they were at least, marvelously cozy and 
homelike, and neighbors sitting there to discuss the crops, the news, 
politics, the latest act of Congress — did not necessarily go home in a state 
of intoxication. 

Flax in its cultivation, and various manipulations necessary to be gone 
over before it appeared — yards of snowy linen, was a great industry. 
When ripe it was cut and the seeds thoroughly pounded from it. Then 
it was laid upon the grass, and left beneath the sun and the showers until 
completely rotted, turned now and then while undergoing the decaying 
process, and when taken up pounded again with a mallet until the fibres 
were perfectly pliable then hatchelled, a hatchel being a brush with iron 
teeth. Some were coarse, some were fine and the design was to divide the 
flax from the tow. This step finished, the flax was carded or combed with 
a carding-comb, an instrument similar to that used by horse fanciers to 
comb the manes of their horses. The fibres at this stage were wound upon 
the distaff off from which they were spun into thread upon what was called 
the '^Little Wheel," and finally were woven into cloth of various devices 
and patterns, table cloths, toweling, napkins, sheets, pillow cases, curtains, 
etc. One yard of cotton was obtained for two of the fairest strongest linen, 
woven so deftly and well that many a Cheshire house wife brings out to-day, 
a long, snowy table cloth from the recess of some choice drawer, saying: 



FROM 1817—1827. 125 

I am going to lay my table for you to-uiglit with a cloth spun and woven 
by Aunt Polly, Aunt Chloe or Betsey, as the name chauced to be. 

During this decade Daniel Chapman established himself in Cheshire. 
He lived first in a red farm house just beyond Scrabble Town, owned and 
rented at the halves for a great many years by Moses Wolcott. Mr. Chap- 
man then bought the farm above the Whitford Rocks, which remained in 
the family for a long term of years. His father lived with him, already an 
old man and one who had a history. His home, when a young man, was 
New London, Conn. 

He had a wife and two boys. One day when on the wharf he was kid- 
napped and compelled to enlist on board one of His Majesty's ships that 
lay at anchor in the offing. In vain he told of the wife who would wait 
long for his coming, and plead that he might go home to bid his boys 
good bye. He was hurried away in a boat, and the ship cast anchor, and put 
out to sea. For three years he was held in this forced service. Twice he 
passed within sight of his own home, but was permitted to give no sign of 
his presence. It so happened, one day, that he was sent on land to a mill 
for some supplies. In the miller he found a friend who provided him with 
a horse, and a boy and said : 

" Go, mount this horse, ride rapidly for ten miles, send back the boy and 
make your way to your home and friends." Chapman needed no second 
invitation, and leaped over the ground. His wife had long e're this given 
up the idea of his being alive. She had broken up the home, bound out 
her boys, and was making an effort for self support. Her surprise and joy 
at his appearance can scarcely be described. 

They took the boys and went up to G-reat Barrington. After a few years 
they made a home in Windsor, until at this period, they crossed over into 
Cheshire. 

A son of each of these boys lives in Cheshire, Stephen Chapman buj'ing 
his present home on Main street, in 1855, and Mason Chapman some years 
later (1858) became a resident. 



CHAPTER VII. 



FROM 1827 1837. 



VILLAGE HOMES. LAND DEVELOPED. METHODISM. UNION OF THIRD 

CHESHIRE AND ELDER SWEET's CHURCH. DEATH OF DEACON DANIEL 

COMAN. R. C. BROWN. DR. L. J. COLE. SCHOOLS. MANNERS AND 

CUSTOMS. ANN REXFORD. 

Of all the proverbs that have come down through the generations there 
is none truer than that which runs, "Distance lends enchantment to the 
view." Looking at history through the arches of distance it is surrounded 
with a romance wholly irresistible to most minds. 

One follows with keen delight the brave pioneer as he leaves his home to 
wander through the wilderness, and journeys with him as he plunges 
deeper and deeper into the ancient forests, ever retiring before the civiliza- 
tion he heralds. It is a curious, charming life he lives, this frontier life in 
a new settlement ; when lived a hundred years behind the actors ; when 
the wolves and the catamounts are all hunted from the woods — in short 
when it is lived in a comfortable parlor, rather than in the wintry days that 
felled the forest trees, or in the tough experiences and hardships of every 
hour. 

This township of Cheshire, in that part where the hamlet of the 
''Corners" Centre, was made up of meadow and upland. The first 
settlers located along the margin of the meadows, and back on the low, 
rising upland. 

The roads were, by this era, beginning to be kept in good repair. They 
were smooth, hard, and those that run up and down the valley were free 
from steep hills, lined with pleasant village homes, and now and then a 
substantial farm house. Of course, in the very necessity of things, there 
would be, here and there, a hill to climb but as the pioneers became way- 
wise they circled their hills oftener than they went over the summit with 
their roads. 

Eural felicity smiled on every hand, and people going down country to 
visit carried such flattering reports of the Berkshire settlement and its 
possibilities that more of the Rhode Island peoi:)le resolved to come up hither. 



FKOM 1827—1837. 127 

Eli Green had put up a row of houses on the hill this side of the burying 
ground, all of which were occupied. 

Widow Kead, the widow of a sea captain, and her daughter, Sally Heath, 
lived in the house at the foot of the hill coming down from the church. 
This house is one of the venerable ones, going back to the first days to the 
very beginning of things. 

This house, to which they came from Khode Island, and where they lived 
always, was embowered in rose bushes. Beds of clove and June pinks 
lined the garden walks, and filled the summer air with their musky odor, a 
wicket gate opened at the west from the street, and a narrow path led by 
clumps of Southernwood and Ehode Island flowers up to the western door, 
where Grannie Read used to sit and "knit her lamb's wool stockings. 

In this house, or beneath its door stone, the legend runs, a pot of gold 
lies buried, placed there by the wonderful Capt. Kidd. "When forced to 
leave the land and find a home on the rolling deep, 'tis said, he hastily 
digged a hole for his treasure of gold and silver and concealed it, expecting 
to return at no very distant- day. 

One morning in that far oif time some strange gentlemen appeared at 
the door begging the privilege of digging for this legendary gold, but 
Capt. Read positively denied the request, professing to have no faith in the 
tale. Whether armed with pick axe and lantern, the Captain tried it him- 
self at the witching hour of night or not there is no record, neither is the 
truth known whether beneath the tottering steps the pot of gold still waits 
for some lucky digger, or has been unearthed in the past. 

In 1833, sand was developed on the present farm of Elisha Prince. Major 
Joy of Hawley, took the contract to draw the sand to Keene, New Hampshire. 
In 1823 an interest in Methodism was awakened in this vicinity. Elder 
Davis came to Cheshire, preached at different houses, at school houses and 
occasionally in the Baptist Meeting House which at this time was occupied 
jointly by Elders Leland and Sweet and their flocks. 

There were many converts, some among them who had been awakened 
in years gone by, but had never joined any church. Some who had been 
baptized by Elder Leland, and not considered it necessary to associate 
themselves with God's people ; these were now gathered in and swelled the 
numbers of the Methodists. Perhaps, a little to the annoyance of Elder 
Leland, possibly not, it is told of him, however, that meeting one of his 
early friends, and continued admirers, but one whom he had baptized and 
allowed to go unsealed by church admission, and who had now joined the 
followers of Elder Davis, he said to her : 

** Well, my friend, you were my chicken — you are Davis' pullet — and 
wliose old hen you will be remains with the future.''' 



128 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Following Elder Davis came Elder Mac, tlieu Elder Pratt who lived in 
the gambrel roofed house, and eked out the small salary that the Metho- 
dists were able to pay by working on week days. 

After a time one Peter Gates an itinerant minister wandered into Ches- 
hire and preached often, usually in the school house. He talked long, was 
dull, and made himself obnoxious to the boys, up and growing. Boys, 
some of them, whose parents insisted upon their attending the meetings. 

Peter Gates attached himself to the family of Elder Pratt and took up 
his abode at the gambrel roofed house where he ate and slept, and lived, 
save when he went out to preach. The boys held a consultation 
and decided that it was all wrong for Peter Gates to board and lodge any 
longer with Elder Pratt, so they formed themselves into a committee of 
ways and means to devise some plan by which to rid the town of Gates. 
One warm, fall night M^hen Gates had gone to his room to retire and left 
his chamber window open, the boys stole over the hill at the rear of the 
house, and took a position above the low windows, then in deep tones one 
of them called. " Peter — Pe-ter — Pe-t-e-r Gates, Peter Gates." The 
preacher heard the voice in the darkness, and being a trifle given to super- 
stition, he leaped from his bed, went to the open window and throwing 
himself upon his knees, with clasped hands and upturned eyes he cried : 
" Here am I. What wilt thou Lord ?" When the wicked boys, overjoyed 
at the success of their plot, exclaimed: 

" Go, Peter. Go ye into all the world, and jDreach the gospel." 

Elder Gates believed the call was genuine, and so reported it to Elder 
Pratt in the morning, who, nothing loth to be rid of so unprofitable a 
boarder, advised him by all means to go, and the boys were troubled no 
more with Minister Gates. 

In 1827 there was quite an addition to the different churches. 

In 1832 an association was founded at Stephentown. The Third Ches- 
hire Church sent as delegates to this association, Elder Leland and Elder 
John Vincent, with the power delegated to them to join the association if 
they deemed such a move a wise one. 

Upon listening to the creed offered by this body they gathered that it 
would occupy the time at its sessions in religious worship and preaching, 
would oppose benevolent societies of all kinds, and not take u]3 with 
missionary work. Therefore they joined the Stephentown Association with 
the understanding that when they chose to do so they could be at liberty 
to leave the association and go on alone as they had been doing heretofore. 

In 1833 the same delegates were sent by the Third Church to the asso- 
ciation they joined the previous year, and which met at Canaan, N. Y. 
Quite to the surprise of these delegates they found that the Stephentown, 



FROM 1837—1837. 129 

like the Sliaftsbury Association, had adopted work in behalf of missionary 
and benevolent societies, which they so bitterly opposed. 

Declaring that the Third Cheshire Church was not so ready to be at- 
tracted by every ''So here," and "So there," but rather, would follow 
the Bible, they would have recanted, and left the association had not 
other circumstances arisen that changed the relation of the churches. 

During the spring of 1834, both, Elder Leland and his wife, were sub- 
jects of a peculiar influence concerning the division in the church. Great 
results follow from the smallest beginnings, from a single grain of wheat 
whole harvests grow. Lafitte, the poor French boy, "tattered and torn," 
picked up a pin, and became the richest man in the realm. 

One day of this same spring, 1834, a crowd was gathered in the meeting 
house. Both churches were present with their respective ministers — Elder 
Rogers from Berlin was in the high pulpit to offer the opening prayer. 
A devout man, ever intent upon his master's work, but somewhat prosy at 
times. That morning, however, he had a divine mission to perform, and 
the words fell from his lips in prayer as though shaped within the very 
courts of Heaven. But few, who listened to them, and witnessed the 
effect they had upon the great congregation, doubted that they were, and 
one old man sprang to his feet (as the voice of the preacher died away down 
the aisles) exclaiming while the tears rolled along his furrowed face: "There 
are two men in this house to-day who could settle that whole trouble in 
five minutes." No one needed to be told that the two were Elder Leland 
and Elder Sweet. The next morning sun saw Elder Leland in the Bel- 
chertown wagon, so familiar on the roads in this vicinity, on his way to 
the different houses of his own church members, to whom he confided his 
wishes. Soon a meeting was called, where it was proposed to arrange some 
plan of settlement, and the following was presented by Elder Leland: 

Cheshire, March 6th, 1834. 

This day the Second and Third (or as some say the Third and Elder Sweet's churcli) 
in Cheshire unite together to be called hereafter the Third church upon the following 
plan of agreement, viz : 

'•AH former differences shall be buried in the sea of universal forgiveness, and all 
the members of both churches whether present or absent shall be considered in the 
union under the following provision : Any member here present who from local 
situation or any other cause may decline the union shall be subject to no censure 
therefor. Those members who are not present shall have the same indulgence when 
they make their requests known. In both cases the non-unionists shall be under no 
obligation to tell the reason why. A clerk shall be chosen in whose office the books 
and papers of both the former churches shall be deposited merely for information; 
but shall not be appealed to for rules of proceeding. A new book shall be procured 
in which the proceedings of the church hereafter shall be registered." 

After it was discussed and agreed that they were to come together on 



130 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

the basis of universal forgiveness and mutual oblivion of the past without 
any questions asked or reasons given, those who were willing to accede to 
it declared themselves members of the new church. Many never walked 
again with that church, but when the Universalist movement reached 
Cheshire we find the names of their descendants among the leaders of that 
church and its supporters, and others never took up their connection with 
the visible church of God again. 

The duty of the historian is to gather and state facts — not to give 
opinions. The facts of this unfortunate church division are on the pages 
of this simple history as we have gathered them by much patient research, 
and we will close the story with this decade by a somewhat significant 
statement that we find recorded by one of the old members: 

"And so, this most remarkable event that has transpired in our church history 
ends at last, and the churches are one again. 'Tis true more than one half of the 
dissenting members have left this vporld, and some have refused to return; but those 
that are living and have returned are very friendly to Elder Leland. The lapse of 
time that has rolled between the first breaking out of that unhappy discord, and the 
times we are now speaking of has had a tendency to smother the unpleasant feelings 
which have been so long in existence." 

One church belonged to the Stephentown Association, one to the Shafts- 
bury — therefore the connection, with each was annulled, and the Cheshire 
Third church went on for a number of years an independent institution. 

Elder Sweet was retained as pastor during the remainder of 1834. In 
1835 he was dismissed and the pulpit was supplied by Elder Leland, 
Elder Sweet, and Elder Vincent in turn. For several successive years the 
church was at rather a low [tide. The members were much diminished by 
death, removal, and the disafiections, while no additions were reported. 

In January, 1839, a great loss was sustained to both town and church by 
the death of Deacon Daniel Coman at the age of 86. He was appointed 
deacon at an early age and held the ofiice through all the years,until blind- 
ness and failing health unfitted him for its duties when he resigned, and a 
little later went calmly from this life to that other, parted by such a nar- 
row tide, yesterday a man among men — to-day a spirit gone. 

In 1828 Pardon Lincoln was appointed clerk of the Stafford's Hill church, 
and with N. Y. Bushnell as pastor it went quietly on its way for many 
years. 

L. J. Cole a young physician who had graduated at the far famed Medical 
Institution of Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., came to Lanesborough where 
for a year he practised with Dr. Tyler a well established physician. At 
the close of 1838 Dr. Cole came over to Cheshire and began the practise of 
medicine on his own responsibility. He married the sister of K. C. Brown 
and lived in the house on the hill owned by Russell Brown. 



FROM 1827—1837. 131 

In 1832 he moved into the house which has been the homestead asso- 
ciated with his name and practice for more than fifty years, and which in- 
stead of going down hill under the tooth of time has reversed the order of 
things, and seems pleasanter, stronger and in better repair than when it 
stood upon the quiet street fresh in all of its original glory, better rather 
than worse,for the fifty years the almanac declares have rolled over its roof, 
and the four generations that may be gathered within its walls. 

In 1833 R. C. Brown entered business in company with Dr. L. J. Cole, 
occupying the building of Moses Wolcott at the end of the tavern, and 
keeping there a country store. In 1835 R. 0. Brown was appointed post- 
master. In 1837 the building across the street was put up by L. H. Brown. 
The upper rooms occupied as a residence, and the lower was filled with dry 
goods and groceries by A. J. Mason and L. H, Brown. 

In November 1834 at a church meeting held by the members of the 
Third church, they vote to provide wood for the meeting-house during 
the ensuing winter. 

The stoves were long box stoves, with pipes extending the entire length 
of the audience room to the chimney in the rear,with bright tin pails wired 
on, where the elbows turned, to prevent the dripping upon the seats below. 

Schools were well developed by this epoch, and that held in the brick school 
house numbered one hundred scholars on its roll call. Upon the low seats 
in these years was an unbroken row of little ones in every stage of a-b-c and 
a-b-ab literature. The girls on one side, the boys on the other. Directly 
back of these were the two and three syllable children who were formed in 
classes for spelling, the last exercise before four o'clock in the afternoon. 
Filing down the aisles from the back and middle seats, they stood in a row 
along a crack in the floor. The scholar that could reach the head of the 
class and hold it until Friday night received a merit mark. 

The boys wore roundabouts, and went barefoot summer days, the girls 
wore dresses of good length with pantalettes to match, or when clad in 
holiday attire white ones. These were starched and were tied on with the 
stocking coming to the heel of the shoe. The hair was brushed from the 
face, parted in the middle, braided in two long cues which were securely 
fastened by bright ribbons. 

At recess the girls played on the common in the deep shadow cast by the 
old church. There they built their play houses of stones, and smooth 
white pebbles gathered by the brookside, and filled them with broken bits 
of pretty china treasured next to their marvellous dolls which were usually 
manufactured of cloth, not unlike a cob in form, with little rolls of cotton 
sewed on for arms and legs, and the most striking features painted or drawn 
with a pen upon the face. 



132 HISTORY OF CHESHIEE. 

Cliildreu iii those days knew but little of books and toys. Indeed, the 
world itself knew but little of the thousands and thousands of devices for 
the amusement of children that the years have developed. So they played, 
happy as happy could be with their dolls and broken china, arranged 
their shining pebbles, and told fortunes with buttercups and daisies: 
"Lawyer, Doctor, Farmer, Beggarman, Thief.*' What girl was there 
that did not wait with breathless anxiety, as she listened to her fortune 
foretold by the daisy chains, and turned away with a half sigh if the ex- 
pected lover coming through the green lanes to kiss the lily Avhite hand 
proved to be a beggar or a thief. 

One verse that was current at quite an early date, was set to music and 
the names changed to suit the neighborhood. It ran like this : 

"Peggy Ingram, Peggy Ingram, where have you been ? 

Over to Farnum's and back again, 
Peggy Ingram, Peggy Ingi-am who did you see ? 

Oh! I saw War-ni-er and Ma-ri-e." 

In an era when a new book, a new toy, or a new song was a thing to be 
talked about and treasured for a lifetime, one can see how the simple home 
ballads would be changed to suit the day, and the circumstances that 
would arise. We have spoken only of the girls at recess in the days of the 
old brick school house. There was as Avell a troop of merry, frolicsome 
boys, some grand ones, and although they doted on plaguing the girls, 
hung their dolls in a row by the neck, and tore the play houses down, leav- 
ing them a heap of hopeless ruins, that was mischief that they could not 
help. They made the paths in winter, drew the girls on their sleds, let 
them shoot at a mark with their cross guns, and gave them the rosiest half 
of their apples. 

Steel pens were an invention of the future, one's education was not 
finished until a first-class pen could be made of a goose quill. Envelopes 
had never been dreamed of, and letters were adroitly folded so as to bring 
the fourth page always left blank, in the right shape for the address on 
the back, and for the sealing with a wafer or wax on the opposite side. 

In 1832, Moses Wolcott was Justice of the Peace. In 1833, Ann Rexford 
a Christian woman, who had prepared herself for the ministry, under the 
auspices of the Christian Denomination, appeared at Cheshire. She drew 
quite large audiences to whom she preached acceptably, but she met her 
fate here and married while in the midst of her success and usefulness the 
Hon. Russell Brown. A lady of polished manners and much beauty, it was 
fortunate for Cheshire to gain her society, and to its circle add the pleasant 
home of which she was mistress. 

Dennis Median, was the only Irishman for many years. He lived in the 



FEOM 1827— 18:57. 133 

cheese house below the tavern of Moses Wolcott with his large family. 

When the town voted not to pay the selectmen for their services, they 
were not remunerated. Sometimes they voted to pay them 110. 

The residence built in 1815 by Moses Reed, and occupied by Dr. L. J. 
Cole, was until 1840 the last dwelling on Main street toward the East, 
until the bridge over the Iloosac was passed. 

On the right of the road, beyond the bridge, with its " antique porch," 
its rustic summer house, and clump of lilac bushes, stood the house of 
Mrs. Betsy Brown. The building is still there, but greatly changed from 
the cheery home of fifty years ago. Just such a weather stained wooden 
house as we see every day among the hills, and along the country lanes of 
this town. Sad, lonely thoughts they arouse too. The history of a town 
is told, next to its people in its houses. To those who can remember these 
old houses when they were the homes of some one they loved how many a 
tale is written in the little window panes, in the doorways, recorded on 
the moss grown roof and stamped upon the threshold and door stone. They 
can remember some summer evening of the long ago when the curling 
smoke of the chimney showed the preparation for the evening meal, the 
line of loitering cows coming up through the lanes from the pasture, the 
men with their horses, or perhaps a load of new made hay, moving towards 
the barn, the fields dotted and fringed with trees stretching up to the 
forest crowned hills ; the children shouting and laughing on every side, and 
the horn blown from the door by the housewife calling to the supper ready 
in the neat, pleasant kitchen. But it is all over now, the little children 
who played and shouted through its rooms in their springtide and the 
old men who hobbled from its doors in their falltime, are there no more, 
deserted entirely or occupied now and then by strangers, they stand 
ready to fall to the ground with nothing but decay written on their fronts, 
the saddest sight that meets one mid the New England hills, telling silently 
of the young and the strong gone out from the parent state, with brave 
hearts, and willing hands to till the Western prairies, and help build up the 
towns that grow like magic in that wonderful new world. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



FROM 1837 1847. 



DEATH OF CAPTAIN DANIEL BROWN. J. B. DEAN. AVM. 'WATERMAN. E. 
D. FOSTER. SCHOOL DISTRICT LIBRARY. RUSSELL BROWN. FARM LIFE. 
RAILROAD. IRISH EMIGRATION. METHODIST CHURCH ESTABLISHED. 
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY ESTABLISHED. DEATH OF ELDER LELAND. 
FAMILY BURYING GROUNDS. ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM. CULTIVATION 
OF SILK WORMS. R. M. COLE & CO. SAW-MILLS. OTHER INDUSTRIES. 
DR. A. J. BLISS. 

Cheshire at this epoch stands out a picturesque village of Berkshire, no 
longer new and legend less, but with a character of its own, not growing 
and racing, to be sure, like a Western town, but with a finished air, a 
mature dignity with a back ground of colonial life, and a revolutionary 
history. Settled in its ways and habits its days moved on in calm content. 
The silvery AshuewiUicook of the Indians stretching through the green 
country, turned its busy wheels and noisy looms, as it ran from town to 
town. The school house stood in each district of the Berkshire hills. The 
results of systematic labor showed from side to side and from end to end of 
the valley, a beautiful landscape won from the wilderness by every day toil. 
And away at the east, looked down upon this valley, Stafford's Hill, a name 
that stands out with breezy prominence upon the history of Cheshire, and 
where at this period the church spire still tells its benign story, and the 
marbles below whisper of this and that distinguished man who died at 
New Providence Hill — write its name ever in capitals — for it lights up the 
story of that little Revolutionary army who foot sore and weary returned 
along the narrow, hilly road from the camp at Saint Croix, and the fight 
at Bennington. 

The church laws which were tainted with an intolerance not far behind 
some made by the Puritans, and which were fought so strenuously by Elder 
Leland were a dead letter at this period and every one did in very truth 
worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 

The links that bind the history of this town, and its people to the past 
are somewhat obscure from the neglect into Avhich they had fallen ; but 



FKOM 1837—1847. 135 

although hidden by the rust of years there is not a church, or a school — not 
an industry or a mill, scarcely a road, a farm, or a workshop that has not come 
to the surface in its first offset, beneath the vigorous search made for this 
history, but the half has not been told neither can it be told here. It is 
rich in old time memories, and local incidents, emphasized by many an 
ancient house, and many a narrative, during the first eighty years of the 
town's existence. 

In 1839 the road along the Hoosac river was built. A Mr. Erastus Beech 
who figured as a surveyor and builder of roads took the contract of the whole 
Job from Adams to Pittsfield. Mr. Benjamin Whipple contracted for the 
portion running through the town of Cheshire. 

Avoiding the hills, it followed the river valley, leaving the old road at 
the left when driving up the river from Pittsfield. Much improvement was 
made by this route, the road is nearly level nor is the distance materially 
increased. A cross road here and there connects the two highways and 
they unite just below the village of Cheshire. 

In 1840 Cheshire mourned the death of Captain Daniel Brown whose 
name had been associated with that of the town for so many years. They 
carried him through the street, over the hill to the church where a crowd 
of sad looking farmers and village neighbors gathered by the bier on the 
green he had given to the town. A band of friends to whom he had been 
a benefactor brushed away the rising tear as they followed silently and with 
bared heads to the burying ground. 

And the family went back to the home built for them by the departed. 
A home in which children and children's children had grown up — gone out 
for forays in the great world, and returned to its friendly halls again, where 
they had gathered for the bridal, for birthday and holiday festivals, where 
old age, thoughtful manhood and joyous childhood had mingled, where 
death had crossed the threshold the bier waited at the door, and where now 
Aunt Chloe lived in widowhood for some years. 

Some new business firms were inaugurated during this era. April 1st, 
1841 James B. Dean and William G. Waterman formed a partnershij) in 
the mercantile business occupying the store builded by Luther H. Brown 
and remaining together until 1844. 

In 1845 E. D. Foster and W. G. Waterman joining their fortunes went 
into the same line of business in a store that they fitted up opposite the 
residence of Captain Brown, and here Mr. Foster was librarian of the 
School District Library just established, and the first ever organized in the 
place. Although not large in the number of volumes on its shelves, some 
excellent works filled its lists. Books did not lie in such rich profusion 
upon the tables of every parlor as they have done since^ and children could 



136 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

not have a new one as quick as they finished the old. Every Saturday after- 
noon at one o'clock the doors were thrown open, and old and young but 
especially the young filed into the store in order to exchange their book. 

In 1844 J. B. Dean opened a store for himself in tlie Wolcott building, ex- 
changing sites with R. C. Brown who crossing the street took with him the 
Post-Office and established, in the building vacated by Dean & Waterman, 
that mercantile house that stood for so long a term of years, and was so ex- 
tensively known in this vicinity. 

R. C. Brown and L. J. Cole dissolved partnership in 1838. After which 
time the latter devoted himself entirely to his profession, riding over the 
hills and mountains, up and down the valley roads, visiting the sick and 
speaking words of consolation to the dying, through the slush and storms 
of winter, and the heated summer weather, year in and year out, until his 
stately form, and strong and cheery voice came to be as familiar, as well 
known as the elms that dot the shady homestead meadows, or the brooks 
that tumble down the mountain sides. 

As straws show which way the the winds blow, the following anecdote 
tells of the impression left by this disciple of ^sculapius upon the minds of 
those to whom he ministered : 

Traveling once in one of the western states, as he came from a public 
dining room, where he had taken dinner with a companion, he was accosted 
by a stranger saying, 

" Please sir, is your name Dr. Cole, and are you from Cheshire, Mass ? 

Looking with wondering eyes upon his questioner the doctor replied in 
the affirmative, when the man went on : 

" Well ! well ! There was an engineer here a few minutes ago who heard 
you talk, and wanted to wait until you came from the dining hall so that 
he might see you. He said he knew that voice, says he, ' I've not heard 
that man speak or seen him for twenty-five years, but I'd bet any amount 
that it's Dr. Cole from Cheshire. He doctored me when I had fever twen- 
ty-five years ago, and I'll never forget that voice.' His bell rang and he 
had to go, so I said I'd ask you," explained the stranger evidently highly 
gratified at the result of his questioning. Dr. Mason Brown died during 
this decade, leaving Dr. Cole the sole physician in town. After a year of 
business at the low store of the Wolcott's, in 1845, J. B. Dean rented that 
belonging to Russell Brown on the hill. Soon after Mr. Brown built his 
fine dwelling house on the brow of the hill beyond. An elegant home for 
the country in those days, and a house which was much canvassed while in 
process of structure, as many points in its arrangement were new, and of a 
type used by city jjeople. Parlors furnished in bright colors of plush, and 
located on the second floor, Avere much in vogue, door bells that rang in the 



FROM 1837—1847. 137 

kitchen, convenient to Bridget or Mary Ann, were used in place of the ohl 
fashioned brass knocker, as well as transoms over the front hall door through 
which the light of a lamp, suspended from the hall ceiling, and shaded by a 
globe of red or yellow, streamed out upon the marble steps and door yard 
flagging. Many of these improvements were adopted by Mrs. Brown, who 
being more than ordinarily fond of floAvers, also planned her yards and 
grounds after models in advance of the village gardens, so when the house 
with its surroundings stood complete it was an ornament to the village and 
the admiration of the people. 

And now for a time everything moved on quietly and without change, 
Cheshire fell into a sort of a Rip VanWinkle unp, like that many another 
town has taken. 

The stores mentioned were amply sufficient to supply the needs of people 
on all the outlying farms. The cheeses were made by farmer's wives in the 
dairy houses, through which the cool streams were carried in pipes, and 
where the huge tubs stood that received the milk at night and in the morn- 
ing, as it was taken from the milking yard in the flowing pails by the 
milkers. The farmers then knew nothing of factories, creameries and the 
thousand and one imj)rovements of to-day. Their cheeses, however, were fine 
and brought a good price at the market place. No oleomargarine entered into 
their butter. They gathered the crops of hay and grain into great brown 
barns fragrant with the odor from their mows and deep bays, where the 
cattle tossed their horns from the stanchion rows, not Jerseys or Alderneys, 
but good substantial breeds that were preferred in those days of patriotism, 
to any that had cropped English daisies or had been reared where English 
clover cast its purple bloom over heath and lea. From these same barns in 
the early morning, chanticleer rang out his clarion call, and led forth his 
harem of good old-fashioned, yellow-legged and speckled fowl, with never a 
Shanghai or Plymouth Eock. 

The farmer's wife lived a busy, but a cheerful, happy life. When her 
cheese was in the press, her dinner for the family and hired man w^as over, 
and her kitchen tided and put in order, on some pleasant afternoon in warm 
weather she arrayed herself in a pretty dress of print or lawn, made with 
gored skirt, and sleeves that were tight from the elbow to the wrist, but 
above the elbow were constructed to puff out to their utmost cajjacities. 
The effect was obtained either by starchinganunderanddistinctpair of sleeves 
very stiff', or by stuffing the upper part with featbers. A soft handkerchief 
of whitest mull was crossed over the breast, a cap with ruffles fluted about 
the face, and a long apron of black silk tied around the waist completed the 
attire. A long pocket-bag in which was carried the knitting work of lambs' 
wool;, the knitting sheath, a handkerchief, and often the snuff box, was 



138 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

taken on the arm, a green calash put upon the head, and walking leisurely 
along the footpath, sometimes across the pasture or meadow, she went to 
visit and take tea with a neighbor. 

No invitation was given, none was required, every housewife held her- 
self in readiness for such an invasion u]ion her tea table. A hearty welcome 
was always expected and rarely or never failed. 

The neat sanded ])arlor or "k<ieping room" was thrown open and sitting 
together these two chatted, as they knit, of the news, the doings at the 
corner, the church and its interests, who were married, who were sick, the 
last price for butter, and so on. They visited the flower and vegetable beds 
in the thrifty garden, looked at the cheese, the last piece of carpet in the 
loom, talked of the colors, which were fast, and those which might fade, 
examined the pieces of homespun flax and wool, exchanged the last new 
receipts for pickles or preserves, then sitting by the little round table in the 
bright, clean kitchen they drank their cup of refreshing ''Hyson" before 
the "menfolks" came up from the half acre lot. After this the last jiinch 
of snulf was taken, or perchance the last pipe smoked in company, and 
knitting into the seam needle, the visitor rolled up her work, and return- 
ing through the pasture with its dappled shadows lying long upon the 
grass reached her doorstep at sundown. 

This was the simple way of paying visits three quarters of a century ago. 
The lives of the "forefathers of the hamlet" were uneventful and free from 
excitement, they were, however, lives of sterling worth, and the people were 
gradually approaching an era that brought them a fresh influx, and gave 
to them and to their mountain town a new impulse. 

In 1846 the railroad from Pittsfield to North Adams was constructed. The 
yellow and red stage coaches dashing over the bridge and up the street, the 
blast of the driver's horn, and the fresh relay of horses brought in hot haste 
from the long sheds, that have tumbled down long ago, were soon to become 
a memory, while in their stead the whistle of the locomotive sounded up 
and down the narrow valley. 

In the fall of 1846 the first train went through, to the delight of an eager 
crowd, who had either taken passage for the round trip, or who had gath- 
ered at the corners to see " the thing" go through. It was a great event in 
the annals of " Our Town," and changed it from a sleepy hamlet to a busy 
village. 

A few houses had been built prior to the laying of the track. Mr. Henry 
Brown built in 1843 the house occupied in later years by Stephen Harkness, 
and that in which Mr. Harrison Brown lives he put up at, or about the same 
time. The depot was erected. Depot street surveyed and laid out, while 
houses beffan to dot the fields in various directions. 



FKOM 1837—1847. 139 

Cheshire had never been a point of immigration for foreigners until the 
work otfered by the laying of the track brought Hocks of them, almost en- 
tirely of the Irish nationality. Little shanties with thatched roofs went up 
rapidly along the roadsides, or what they preferred, by the track, where 
they '"squatted" on a little patch of ground, planted some potatoes, built 
the proverbial pig-pen, added a lean-to at the rear of the shanty which ac- 
commodated a cow and some chickens. Pigs, children and chickens were 
often seen playing together by the low door, and sharing the same bowl 
of milk. Frequently a long line of these shanties were erected until the 
surroundings bore the air of a young town from Cork. 

Times have materially changed for these people since that day. With 
the advent of the engine they came, and have been steadily on the increase 
through the years. They have gotten acclimated and become way-wise. 
On the mountain slopes, among the charcoal burners, or where the clear- 
ings were made, the smoke of their chimneys arose in the clear air, or fell 
fluttering along the hill-tops when it was heavy, like a white ribbon. When 
the sun was low and their toil ended for the day they went to their homes, 
poor and plain doubtless, with sun-browned cheeks and hands hardened by 
toil ; but as a rule frugal and industrious choosing, that narrow path that 
leads step by step to successful issue. 

At the end of the forty years — among these men are some of our substan- 
tial farmers and worthy citizens. In our school rooms we meet the daugh- 
ters of Erin side by side with our own, holding equal positions both as teach- 
ers and scholars. The Marys and Bridgets have taken tiie places of the 
Betsys and Sallys of yore in the New England kitchens, and among our 
brightest girls. 

Breaking up their lines, crossing the Atlantic, the experience is a deep 
one, and produces a radical change in the habits of their lives, which not 
only remains upon all their future, but stamps itself upon that of those who 
are yet to follow. 

But, however great the change in manners of association, of dress, or of 
character, whenever the Irishman goes in his journeyings, in the country, 
the town, on the Mississippi, or beyond the Rockies, he carries with him — 
whatever else betide — his own religion with all of its sublime mysteries 
which adds a hidden, but to him a very real charm to all the wonders he 
beholds in the new country. 

For many years these foreign people were forced to go to Pittsfield or Adams 
to attend religious services, and when friends were dead the survivors car- 
ried them, through the weather, however inclement, to the consecrated burial 
ground of their own church. So it was that they began to agitate the 
subject of forming a church in Cheshire. 



140 HISTORY OF CHESHIEE. 

The trains on the new railroad ran regularly, but the business in the be- 
ginning was not sufficient to warrant very many trains duriug the day. 
One down in the morning and up in the evening accommodated the travel- 
ing public wonderfully well, and was an improvement upon driving in a 
cold bleak day over the hills to Pittsfield, or down the valley to North Adams. 

Passengers and freight cars were made up together, making the same run 
carrying the invoices of sand, iron, flour, meal and goods for the various 
stores, at the same time with the passengers. Many will be able to recall how 
exceedingly slow the progress that was made, and the half hour consumed 
in taking on and throwing off freight at the different stations, while the pas- 
sengers waited — patiently. It would require no wonderful stretch of imagi- 
nation to picture the howling tbat would accompany such a proceeding to- 
day. Mr. J. M. Bliss was the first depot agent, and was succeeded by 
Daniel Lowe. 

In 1840 R. M. Cole entered the store on the hill as active partner, the 
business taking the firm name of E. M. Cole. This house of business built 
in 180G, holding the first post-office, has come down occupied as a place 
of business through all the years of the town's existence, and is the 
oldest place and the only one that dates back almost to the beginning with- 
out change of form ; built with the gable end to the street, rising three 
stories, it overlooks the village by day, and at night the lights twinkle fi'om 
the windows a landmark to one approaching the village. In good condition 
this building still stands firm, and if no cyclone touches it, or fire kindles 
its frame the pros})ects are promising that it may witness the advent of 
another century. 

In 1840 Luther 11. Brown managed a, saw-mill that stood u})on the 
ground now occupied by the sand bed of J. B. Dean, wliich he afterward 
sold to Thomas Olin. Peter Dooley and Dennis Meelian, also, were lum- 
bering at the Notch, cutting trees on the mountain. They were when 
chopped the proper length slid down the mountain side in a long trough 
constructed for the purpose, and which landed the logs at a point where 
they could easily be hauled to the mills. Peter Dooley was one of the rep- 
resentative men of Cheshire. Strong in his business he always found fol- 
lowers. He was interested in several lime kilns which were in active opera- 
tion and which with the saw-mills and burning of charcoal on the moun- 
tains afforded employment for many men. 

During this decade a new departure in the medical life of Cheshire took 
place. The Thompsonian practice sprung up and was well patronized in the 
vicinity. Physicians from other towns came in and served the families who 
imbibed the theory. Hemlock boughs were carried from the forest by the 
quantity and patients were steamed and toasted underneath feather beds and 



FROM 1837—1847. 141 

piles of coverlids, were it August or December. However, as health was the 
object sought, when it was found it mattered but little how. Dr. A. G. Bliss, 
son of Orrin Bliss, studied this school of medicine and located at Cheshire. 

In 1840 Daniel Brown, grandson of Captain Brown put up a saw-mill 
and blacksmith shop on the site of the Old Crown Glass Company. 

In 1841 while Elder Rogers of Berlin, was preaching for the Baptist 
people, tiiey were overwhelmed with grief at the death of Elder John 
Leland. For so many years they had looked upon him as their guide and 
pattern, had loved him with a love amounting almost to idolatry, and now 
he was taken from them without one note of warning. He left Cheshire in 
the winter of that year to attend a meeting held at North Adams, where he 
expected to preach. He was in his usual health and customary good spirits. 
After the service in the evening he returned to the house of a friend with 
whom he was stopping, and was taken during the night violently ill, an illness 
which terminated fatally within a few days. The day was a gray cold one 
of January. They brought their friend, a friend held in saintly rever- 
ence all through this vicinity, over the bare and frozen roads from Adams. 
The old church was crowded, packed with the throng that gathered to pay 
the last rites to the dead. They had assembled at the appointed hour, 
but the way was long, the roads were tedious, and the procession winding 
around the rough country hills made slow progress. All the morning the 
sad faced congregation waited. Sometimes one would rise walk out upon 
the steps and look over the hills toward the north, then slowly returning 
to his pew wipe away the tear, and with bowed head wait wearily and in 
silence. At length the bell high up in the belfry tower commenced its 
dreary toll. Some one struck up, in a clear, sweet voice, a hymn familiar 
to all, and in which the pastor had so often joined, and the words were 
taken up from all points in the church, in gallery and pew they sounded a 
sad requiem for the poster who was coming up the steps, through the aisle 
to the pul]nt for the last time. 

In 1845 Elder William Loomis became the pastor, a hasty, nervous tem- 
perament, but eager and interested in his work. In 1846 he was replaced 
for Eider Piatt Bets. In 1847 the services of Rev. Henry Clarke of Pittsfield, 
were secured. Elder Clarke was a scholarly man, educated in Eastei'n Massa- 
chusetts, he brought a breeze from the outside world, and aroused the church 
to a broader and better platform of action than it had hitherto known. 

The church which was built with so much pride in 1793, Avas getting old 
and dilapidated. During the winter of 1847-8 quite an extensive revival 
of religion blessed the labors of Elder Clarke. Many were added to the 
church of both young and old, and it seemed more flourishing than it had 
for many years. At the little hollow among the hills, whose peculiar shape 



142 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

together with the proverbial industry of its inhabitants won for it the 
name of ''The Kitchen," in the early days, flows a clear and pretty stream. 
A rustic bridge spans the road, a dam built for the use of the saw-mill, 
grist-mill, and tannery caused the water to form a deep pool near the street 
and below the bridge. This spot had been singled out from time immemo- 
rial as the best place afforded for the administration of the ordinance of 
baptism by immersion. Whatever may have been the religious faith of a 
person, I cannot avoid the feeling that any one who ever witnessed this 
ordinance on a summer Sunday morning upon the banks of this brook will 
always remember the impressive beauty of the scene. The eager respectful 
crowd on the farther shore and bridge above; the dark robed form of the 
preacher slowly approaching, followed by the discijoles, and their friends ; 
the few short words of prayer, those of holy consecration, ere he descended 
into the water: "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost/' 
the gentle plash beneath the clear liquid; the rising to newness of life as 
the triumphant hymn swells on the breeze welcoming one more to the fold. 
Who can forget the scene? 

Among the industries carried on during this decade was an amateur one, 
too interesting to pass by unnoticed: the rearing of silk-worms, and the 
weaving of silk. Mrs. Patience Whitmarsh was the leader in this work. 
She grew her own mulberry trees in the yard by the house where the way- 
side smithy blazed, and the low stone wall grew wild with vines and blos- 
soms. She procured the eggs for raising* her first crop of worms, built 
benches around the room devoted to the work, and under the proper tem- 
perature they were developed through five stages at which time they wound 
themselves into the silken cocoon. At regular intervals the little things 
were fed by covering them thickly with mulberry leaves under which they 
could be heard greedily devouring their food. 

The butterfly was not allowed to pierce the cocoon only in few cases, 
sufficient for future breeding, all others were at the proper time thrown 
into hot water, after which the fine threads of silk were spooled, and spun, 
and woven into such fabrics as the manufacturer desired. 

Mrs. Whitmarsh worked under disadvantages, and probabl}^ did not grow 
rich in the enterprise, as she had only a common loom to work in, and 
common wheels to spin the infinitesimal threads, however there are a num- 
ber of articles still carefully treasured by her children as her handiwork 
in this wonderfully interesting occujjation. A fancy work exceeding the 
crazy quilt departure of this generation. 

In 1843 Allan Tucker removed to Pittsfield and Gilbert Dresser took the 
hotel at Cheshire. He was an energetic man, and after the building of the 
railroad always run a cab between the hotel and depot, taking passengers 



FROM 1837—1847. 143 

and baggage to any point desired. There has never been so good a system 
for conveying passengers in the village as that inaugurated by Gilbert 
Dresser. 

The Methodist society, which had l)een formed in Cheshire in 1823, had 
grown cool and dwindled away during these intervening years. Some de- 
vout believers of the faith still remained, but did not exist as a society. 

In 1844 a young lady of Cheshire visiting at Savoy experienced religion, 
and joined tlie Methodists, returning home her interest was so great that 
she esfablished a series of meetings at school houses and private dwell- 
ings, A movement that ended in the founding of a church. John Cad- 
well of Savoy, formed the first class at the residence of Warner Farnum in 1844, 

The Universalist society was revived during this epoch. Its first move- 
ment was almost can^al with the town. One of the noblest of American 
divines, William Murray traveled through here as early as 1795, preach- 
ing and teaching. He spoke from the pulpit of the west meeting house. 
One quite as early came doing the work of an evangelist, preaching in pri- 
vate houses and seeking converts to his faith upon every occasion. 

One, perhaps the very first, stated minister was the Rev. Mr. Wilcox who 
occupied the house of the Third church on Sunday afternoons. He was a 
man of education and his name appears repeatedly on the town books in 
connection with the schools and their committees, as well as in other town 
offices. The Eev. Alfred Peck was stationed here in 1846, 

Driving along the highways, or wandering through the quiet fields of 
Cheshire in the summer or autumn weather a thoughtful wanderer notes 
those neglected land marks of the past and its people, the grave stones, found 
not alone in the church yard, but on private domains, on isolated hillsides, 
in the stillness of the valleys, melancholy mile stones of life's journey, with 
inscriptions on mossy stones, name, date, sometimes linked with an histori- 
cal association, with a local memory, a hint of custom or character of which 
they are the sole memorial. 

Among the most interesting is that upon the farm of Mr. William P. 
Bennet, two miles from town. On this rural ground rest the remains of 
Col. Joab Staiford, the hero of Bennington, sleeping below the ancient 
beech tree, having as the tablet tells us, "foughtand bled for his country." 

Here, too, is recalled the presence of that brave woman who in the low 
brown house over yonder, beyond the hill, watched by her cradle, for a tiny 
grave stone bears record that on one of the first October days it was conse- 
crated to the memory of the little sufferer who fought with death and went 
down in the conflict. Oftentimes one comes upon these time hallowed spots 
unawares. The grave-yards of the farm, neglected, forsaken, almost for- 
gotten. Looking down into some narrow inclosure, covered with thick 



144 HISTORY OF CHESniKE. 

tangled grasses, one sees the sunken graves, and on the mildewed sepulcher- 
al stones clustered there reads the familiar names of some of the old families 
of Cheshire. Although the locality remains, in the sad look of neglect can 
plainly be read that the farm has passed into other liands. 

Many, many years ago Uncle Stephen ISTorthup and Hezekiah Mason 
walked in company down the western slope from Thunder. Coming upon 
one of these spots they stopped in their walk, and struck with the beauty of 
the scene Hezekiah said with great earnestness: 

"J tell you now if I live to die I'm going to be buried here." 
Uncle Stephen more thoughtful and moderate responded after a short 
pause as he started np to pursue his walk: ' 

" Yes its very pleasant, but I reckon I'll keep on down to the Corners', I 
seem to like it by the old church." 

Judging from the inscriptions one may conclude that some of the fathers 
believed with the Bible that it is not well for man to dwell alone. Under 
a drooping willow or by some low growing pine is often seen a trio of gray 
stones with the following words, " Sally beloved consort of Cyrus, who died 
in 1797. Patience the virtuous consort of Cyrus, who died in 1800. Serene 
the well loved relict of the late Cyrus, who departed this life in 1806." 

Alanson P. Dean and his brother Martin built a tannery on the Hoosac 
where for many years a lively business was carried on. Employment was 
given to a goodly number of men. Both of the proprietors built pleasant 
homes for themselves. A boarding house was put up, and well conducted 
for the convenience of the workmen, besides tenements for such as wished 
to rent them. The plat had the appearance of a thrifty, profitable institu- 
tion of labor. 

In 1845, Daniel Brown added to these industries a grist-mill which he 
planned to put upon the ground occupied in 1836, by the pot loft of the Crown 
Glass Company. In digging for the wheel pit the men found the white 
chunks of sand, not knowing what it was or how valuable it might prove. 
Mr. Frank Sayles seeing the chunks scattered about or gathered into heaps, 
took some of the deposit and sent to Boston for analysis. It was returned 
with a favorable decision, and every body knew beyond a peradventure that 
the old Crown Glass Company in their ignorance had brought their sand 
from Lancsborough to manufacture glass, while an inexhaustible mine lay 
concealed beneath the spot upon which they stood. 

The verdict at Eden's gate has come home to man throughout the ages. 
God has made the world, and man the monarch of it. He fills the caves of 
ocean with pearls and coral, seams in the mountain Avith richest gems, and 
hides the ore deep in the mine, but man's right hand must win tlie rest, and 
wrench the secrets so thoroughly hidden from the earth. 



PROM 1837—1847. 145 

In 1845, Andrew Bennot left tlio farm on the hillside and bonght the 
house now owned by Miss J. Brown. A man of excellent judgment and 
kindliness of heart, he filled a large place in the little village and was often 
called upon to occupy offices of trust. His sons, Ambrose and Luther, 
afterward moved into the village, while another son, William P. Bennet, 
and daughter, Mrs. Amy Brown, occupy the ancestral farms. 



CHAPTER IX. 



FROM 1847 1857. 



GEORGE FISHER. STEAM MILLS. DEVELOPMENT OF GORDON SAND BED. 
IRON BUSINESS ESTABLISHED. GLASS MAKING, GEORGE MARTIN. MAN- 
UFACTURE OF BRICK. TANNERY. RICHARDSON & SON. E. D. FOSTER. 
SCHOOLS. METHODIST CHURCH BUILT. CATHOLIC WORSHIP ESTABLISHED. 
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH ERECTED. BAPTIST CHURCH. JOHN C. WOLCOTT. 
DR. ISAAC COLE. TIN SHOP. CABINET SHOP. WAGON SHOP. 

This era, from 1847 to 1857, following so closely the construction of the 
Adams and Pittsfield railroad, was marked by a fresh impetus and the found- 
ing of a variety of new business interests in the vilhige of Cheshire. 

Farmers wishing to retire and live a less active life than they hitherto 
had done, turned their eyes toward the village with its fair promise of being 
a quiet, pleasant location for a home. 

John M. Bliss, Sen., exchanged his farm at Muddy Brook, and took in 
the trade a house just being completed on Main street. The old red farm 
house at Muddy Brook was a charming home of the long ago. It stood upon 
the brow of a hill, down which a cross road run leading to the farms in the 
intervale, before the lower road was constructed, and connecting it with the 
old stage road over the hills, after it was built in 1833. 

George Fisher came to town as early as 1835, and has grown up with the 
town since it awoke from its first nap. He has always been an active citizen 
and his name a familiar one in both business and political circles. 

He built the large house known since as the residence of Stephen Chap- 
man, and the cottage next to it. He then took the farm of J. M, Bliss, Sen., 
and moved from the village, but not from the town. In 1853 he made still 
another move upon a farm to the east, a farm upon which have been found 
deposits of gold and silver, and a strata of fine soap-stone, 

George Fisher comes of a family that has had honorable mention in the 
history of the state for more than two hundred years. Coming up witb 
their contemporaries from the early towns of the coast, they formed homes 
and settlements, were burned out by the remorseless Indian, proceeded 



FROM 1847—1857. 147 

farther into the wilderness, their axes crashing against the primeval trees. 
Their names appearing in the records of the different settlements as survey- 
ors, deacons, chairmen in the council chambers, and alwaysknown as prom- 
inent men and ardent patriots. It was just as a band of these men were 
asking for a name to the new township they were forming, that Burgoyne's 
surrender hastened the treaty Franklin had been striving to make at St. 
Cloud, after the capitulation at Saratoga, liouis XVI recognized the colo- 
nies and formed an alliance. So this committee with .Jabez Fisher at their 
head, named their settlement Franklin, to which compliment the graceful 
statesman resjionded by presenting the town with books to establish a public 
library. And from this town, and from this family of such prominence and 
note, bearing its coat of arms, came our own townsman, George Fisher, 
bringing with him the same spirit of public zeal that animated his ancestors. 

In 1847 the mountains were densely wooded, like huge cones clad in unbrok- 
en green they encircled thvtown, save where the valley roads opened their way 
here and there. Spruce and hemlock were the woods that predominated, but 
were intermingled with beech, maple and pine. After the advent of the 
railroad the call for lumber increased, as the market was accessible, and the 
lumbering trade was a lively and profitable one for a time. Chop])ers were 
employed at good prices, the streets were made lively by the bells of the 
teamsters driving over the hard packed wintry roads. The saw-mills were 
driven, and the buzzing of the mammoth saws and tumbling of the o-reat 
wheels sounded incessantly. Lumber was shipped daily at the station for 
different places. Chatham, just growing up under the impulse of the Har- 
lem railroad, connecting there with the Boston and Albany, was three- 
fourths built with lumber sawed from these mountain trees. The big dam 
at Holyoke contracted for Cheshire timber, and to dwellings and towns 
it was sent by far too often to keep the tally. 

This called for steam mills, the first one ever built in town was that at 
Scrabbletown, by Lawriston Potter, which he soon sold to Steei-s. Later, 
Potter built a steam mill on his garden plat, just beyond the low, rambling 
house still standing at Scrabbletown. 

In 1847 Samuel Smith bought the land and all right of sand in the bed dis- 
covered in 1845. Within the month of May, 1847, the sand bed changed 
hands twice. First, it was sold to Henshawe & Obdello. Second, to the 
Berkshire Glass Company. 

During this year sand was shipped to France, and tAvo dividends were 
made to the stockholders. After the discovery of sand in 1845, it was duo-^ 
but in a primitive and crude style. No machinery was used in the begin- 
ning, being hauled from the beds in carts drawn by horses, rude sheds were 
built where it was washed and packed. 



148 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE, 

Mr. Francis Potter, now in California, is said to have dug and sliipped 
the first invoice of sand from tliis bed. 

In 1847 Mr. Chandler T. Furd, a student from Williams College, came to 
Cheshire, rented the office that adjoins now the residence of Miss Jeanette 
Brown, and taught there for two successive winters a select school, where 
young gentlemen and ladies were at liberty to pursue astronomy, philoso- 
phy, and higher mathematics if they chose to do so. This move inaugu- 
rated jin era of select schools. Mr. W. G. Waterman, a gentleman of 
marked education, and a lover .of books, a gentleman too, who had been 
deeply interested in the educational interests of the town, put up a house 
on Main street in 1849, containing accommodations for a school. This he 
opened late in the year of 1849, taking an unlimited number of day 
scholars and some boarders. 

In 1848 James N. Eichmond and Seneca Pettee bought the land for the 
iron furnace of R. B. Wolcott. The buildings were drafted at once and 
construction began, they were not comjjleted, however, nntil January, 1851. 
The 18th of January, 1851, the furnace was filled with coal to heat it. 
February 11th the first casting of pigs was made from iron ore dug in the 
King ore bed. 

The business was managed for a time by Messrs. Pettee & Richmond, 
then N. H. Stevens, a gentleman in the iron works at North Adams, 
becoming one of the owners, moved into town for a short time acting as 
superintendent of the furnace. 

Next a company was formed called the Union Iron Co., which, keeping tlie 
institution for only a term of months, turned it over to Sampson, Bright & 
Barker. These gentlemen kept it until 1857, when it was closed for awhile. 

In 1848 Mr. George Martin located upon a mountain woodland farm in 
Cheshire. For a few years he spent with his family the summers on this 
farm, and returned with the fall to his home in the city of Albany. Nat- 
urally a business man, his name was known ever after this date among the 
townspeople. In 1856 he moved his family to the village, and began the 
business of a butcher, a branch that was needed in Cheshire, and one to 
which Mr. Martin was bred in " Merrie England^' before ever he came over 
the waters to America. Commencing in a small way, nsing only one half a 
beef per week, with his accustomed energy he pushed his business, and it 
was soon increasing on his hands. The Hoosac Tunnel was in the course 
of construction at that time, with periodical seasons of silence, and labor. 
As a busy year came around, and the rural hamlet at the western terminus 
increased rapidly in population, Mr. Martin secured the contract to supply 
them with the meat they consumed, and found that from one-half a beef, 
he required full fifteen each week to fill his orders. 



FROM 1847—1857. 149 

In 1848 the Methodist cliurch j)ut up tlieir new edifice on Main street. 
A neat buihiing with a pleasant audience room. Altliough no large amount 
was expended upon this structure, it was used to the best advantao-e, and, 
the church seemed when completed like one of tlie most cheery houses of- 
worship in the land. 

Elder John Foster preached through 1840, and part of 1850; but ill 
with that fatal disease, consumption, he died during the year, and Elder 
Hunt was stationed at Cheshire. 

In 1851 South Adams and Cheshire were associated with Elder Thomas 
Lodge as pastor, 1853 Elder S. H. Hancock, 1853 Elder A. W. Garvin 
with parsonage at Chcsliiro. In 1854 Rev. S. II. Hancock with 90 mem- 
bers in the church, and 70 scholars in the Sunday-school. In 1857 Rev. 
James G. Phillips was pastor. 

In 1848 the land was given by Mrs. Sally Foster, daughter of Captain 
Brown, to the Universalist church and society for a church building to be 
erected in which a preacher of their peculiar faith and doctrine should 
preach, and the building was ])ut up without delay. The wealth of this 
denomination was in the hands of a few. These few gave liberally, and 
a pretty building upon a remarkably pleasant site was the result of their 
undertaking. Rev. Almond Mason was their pastor at this time. His 
father was an early dweller, an " Old-timer " of Cheshire, but Mr. Almond 
Mason himself was born in the town of Adams. He was, however, well 
known in the vicinity, and much beloved. A man of persuasive manner 
with much personal magnetism, and great power of control over the youno-. 

Mr. Mason was a grand singer, while he taught the people from his 
pulpit he paid marked attention to his choir, often joining them in his 
own deep voice of rich pathos and beauty. Crowds often attended the 
services of this minister, captivated by the music he always managed to 
have from his choir of young people, and interested in his lessons of faith, 
practice and morality. His doctrines of present punishment for sins com- 
mitted, and universal salvation. He had many followers who avowed 
themselves believers in his creeds. 

Almond jMason had, in early manhood, sat under the teachings of Father 
Leland, as indeed had many who now identified themselves with this new 
departure. To use the somewhat homely, but ajjt figure of Leland him- 
self: " Some who had been hatched in the days of the Great Refoi-mation 
as his chickens, were Davis's pullets, in the Methodist excitement of 1833, 
and were now full fledged, liens of Mr. Mason's." 

It is a significant fact that the descendants of the Ten Aggrieved 
Brethren who turned sorrowfully aw^ay from Elder Leland and his church 
came (many of them) and united themselves with this interest. In 1850 



150 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Rev, Mr. Miller was preaching to the church. In 1852 the Eev. Mr. 
Plumb officiated in the pulpit, coming from over Stamford way, he never 
lived among the people. In 1853 Mr. Palmer was engaged, and as supplies 
for short times Rev. Mr, Waggoner and Guilford. 

Owen Turtle entered Cheshire in 1848. He has always been an in- 
dustrious frugal man, working all these years, save iierhaps one or two, in 
the beginning, for the Berkshire Glass Sand Company. He has just cause 
for pride in his children all of whom do him honor. Thomas received the 
appointment from this district to enter West Point in 18G3, where he grad- 
uated with honors in 1867. James, his second son, graduated at Michigan 
University, and is a civil engineer. William, his third son, is a rising 
young lawyer in Pittsfield, a graduate of Harvard law school, while Owen, 
Jr., is making a success in the teaching of music. He is highU^ gifted 
in this direction and has a fine voice. He is connected with the conserva- 
tory of Music at Pittsfield. 

In 1849 Thomas Olin bought the saw-mill on the notch road, and for 
many years turned out large quantities of lumber. At the same time 
Francis Jones and Reuben Humphreyville bought the saw-mill above this. 
At a later period this was owned by Jones and Norman Cotton, 

In 1850 Mr, Potter kept a clothing store on Main street. 

In 1850 James 1^, Richmond bought land of Thomas Brown on the north 
side of the highway beyond the Hoosac at the Scrabbletown crossing. Upon 
this land a new glass house was erected, A stock company was formed 
among capitalists, and the money was mostly owned in New York City, 
Something like $80,000 was the sum they operated Avith, The buildings 
w«re put up under the personal supervision of J, N, Richmond, who was a 
lawyer by profession and practice, but being by nature a shrewd business 
manager with a taste in that direction, he had given his attention to this 
branch of business, had moved to Cheshire not far from the beginning of this 
decade, and after closing his interest with the iron furnace, was employed by 
the New York parties as their agent in the construction of the glass house. 
Men were imported from New Jersey and Pennsylvania who were blowers, 
fiatteners and cutters, and tlioroughly trained iif the skilled labor of glass- 
making. Houses were built by the company for the workmen, which they 
might rent or purchase as pleased them best. Many brought their families 
and made homes for themselves in the little boro' of Scrabbletown, At night 
the bright lights from the furnace and blowing rooms gleamed out across 
the Hoosac and its meadows, and with the castings at the iron works, and 
the lamps sending their rays over the snowy streets from Foster's store, and 
the long windows of his house on the corner, rendered that portion of the 
village especially bright and cheery. 



FROM 1847—1857. 151 

The glass factory at first manufactured window glass only, but com- 
menced in 1854 to make rough plate glass for floors and roofs. . For this 
they cast the glass, rolled it under an immense pressure, and when finished 
it was half an inch in thickness. They used 2,800 pounds of sand, 500 
pounds of soda ash, 800 })ounds of lime, to make COO feet of half-inch glass, 
which it took them a day to construct. This they sold in market for fifty 
cents per foot, a yield of $300 per day for nine months in the year, the re- 
maining time being used for rc])airs. 

In 1853, this factory burned, but was rebuilt at once by J. N. Eichmond. 
It then passed into the hands of a stock company who kept it for only a 
short time, changing owners again it took the name of The Crystal Glass 
Company. Experiments were constantly made looking toward a polished 
plate glass. The proprietors argued that the sand was so abundant, so 
close to the works, and of such superior quality that they should soon Ije 
able to furnish the market with the finest of plate glass. 

In 1857 Co veil Wolcott, Esq., rnn the factory for one single year, then its 
doors were closed, the fires burned out, the huge smelting pots were empty; 
the flattening ovens, and cutting tables fell into disuse ; darkness and spli- 
tude brooded over the yards, and through the long buildings, fit home for 
bats and owls, and the busy industry was over. The men thrown out of em- 
ployment could not retain their homes, so gradually left for other towns 
where work could be obtained, and the last condition was worse than the 
first. 

Stores were put up by the iron company and glass company. Tlie first 
upon the site of the home of K. V. Wood, and the latter directly across 
the way, 

W. F. Richmond was the book-keeper for the glass company, at this 
store where they had their office for the transaction of all business. 

A large millinery store was opened in the winter of 1849-50 in this part 
of the village. 

In 1850 Peter Trotier was engaged in the manufacture of brick between 
the depot and the hill toward the south. Deposits of clay were found there. 

In 1850 Ira Richardson & Son bought an interest in the tannery of the 
Dean Brothers and the firm name was Deans & Richardsons. In 1855 the 
Deans disposed of their interest and it became Richardson & Son. 

Ezra Edmunds who was the village shoemaker built the house opposite 
that of Dr. Cole's and carried on his shop here until in 1850 he sold to 
Israel Cole, a wealthy farmer from Adams. 

In 1850 E. D. Foster built the house now owned by H. C. Bowen. It 
was a beautiful home well arranged without and within, filled with books, 
pictures and music with which its master loved to surround his family. 



152 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

There was uo more attractive residences, nor none where young people so 
well loved to congregate as at this one. Pleasant parties were given there 
by its genial owners and the hospitable doors thrown open. The society 
lover, as well as the lover of fine books at that time, will ever remember the 
advantages of that home. 

In 1850 the old brick school-house was sadly dilapidated. Its yellow 
benches were cut and hacked by the jack-knife of many a boy, the seats 
broken in places, the hearth sunken underneath the long box stove, the 
desk defaced, the windows were cracked, and patched with putty. 

The worn door sill, and the wooden steps were polished by the contact 
of all the feet that had trodden them, while the dark red paint was worn 
smooth, and almost black from smoke and time. The caricature of some 
teacher drawn on the plastered walls, or cut in the painted woodwork, a 
couplet here and there, printed by some mischievous urchin, and the hun- 
dred names andinitials — more or less — scattered hither and yon about the old 
building told many a tale of those who once made the walls echo with their 
mirth and song. In the winter of 1850-51 the last term was taught with 
a crowded class, and the ensuing spring the familiar building was torn down. 

On the church green another school house went up, dazzling in fresh 
paint and green shades, with long windows, and new fashioned desk, where 
another race of girls and boys ate and exchanged bites of their apples and 
cookies at noontime, and raced on their sleds and skates at recess. 

It 1850 Father Cavanagh, a parish priest from Pittsfield, commenced 
holding divine service in Cheshire. He made appointments from place to 
place at private houses. 

In 1850 E. M. Cole took into partnership his brother 0. D. Cole, the 
firm becoming K. M. Cole & Brother. 

In 1851 Eev. F. 8. Parkes was secured as pastor of the Third Cheshire 
church, and officiated as such for four years, until 1855, when Elder Henry 
Clarke of Pittsfield, who had always been a favorite in the parish with old 
and young, was secured and returned to take charge of the church, although 
he resided in Pittsfield. 

During the stay of Elder Parkes there were some troubles among the 
people of the church, however, there were twenty additions to its roll by bap- 
tism, and there were ninety-nine members when Elder Parkes closed his 
labors with them in 1855. 

The subject of a Sabbath-school in connection with the Third church had 
often been agitated, but as Elder Leland did not quite approve of working 
in this way, it had never met with hearty approval. Elder Leland believed 
that home was the place to teach children, rather than Sabbath-school. 

In 1855 the objections subsided somewhat and a Sunday-school organized 



FiiOM 1847—1857. 153 

luidei- the preaching of Elder Clarke, \Yith James N, Richmond, Esq., as 
superintendent. In 1856 the association met with the Cheshire church — 
delegates and members from seventeen churches in attendance. In 185G 
Dr. Colo was appointed Sunday school superintendent. In 1857 Elder 
Pease filled the pulpit, with 102 members. 

In 1852 a steam mill for sawing lumber was put up on the banks of the 
Hoosac, just be3^ond the depot. After a few years of operation the firm 
dissolved, the mdl fell into tlie hands of R, 0. Brown, who with Francis 
Jones for partner carried it on for a time and sold to Augustus Loyd. 

In 1852 Mr. Foster removed the store that he occupied, and which stood 
across the village street from Captain Brown's to the lot next west of his 
new residence, enlarged the capacity of the building, increased his stock, 
and went on with his trade for some years at this point. 

In 1852 Miss Clara Cone opened a school in the basement of the Third 
Baptist church, and for a term of years the organization grew in strength. 
Miss Darling succeeded Miss Cone, and always some efficient teacher Avas 
found to fill the gap, as one left the post, and the district school was so 
crowded with children of all ages and sizes that those who left it for the 
forms, neatly arranged in the neighboring basement, were scarcely missed. 

In 1852 Father Cuddihy came among the people and made arrangements 
to use the Mechanic's hall. He remained as pastor until 1854. During 
this year Father Purcell, parish priest at Pittsfield took charge of the 
Cheshire parish, and continued preaching to the people at Mechanic's hall. 

All these growing industries, but especially the steam mills and lum- 
bering, the Berkshire Glass Sand Co., the iron furnace and glass house 
were feathers in the cap of Cheshire. They brought capital to the town, 
made freight for the railroad, put money in circulation and filled the town 
with people. 

In 1853 Alanson P. Dean erected the fine and commodious dwelling on 
the Meeting House Hill, which has been filled in modern times with city 
boarders by Mrs. R. C. Brown. 

In 1853 Dr. L. J. Cole feeling his health giving away under the arduous 
labors of years, made arrangements to associate himself in his profession 
with some younger man, and took into [)ractice with him Dr. Isaac Cole. 
They built the office still standing on Main street, and owned by Mason 
Chapman. Dr. L. J. Cole was absent during this summer in Boston, be- 
ing on the committee for revising the Constitution of tlie Commonwealth. 

In the fall of 1857 the partnership was broken up by Dr. Isaac Cole, who 
was completely won by the manifold attractions offered at the far west, unfold, 
ing so rapidly at that period, and left for the country beyond the Mississippi. 

Dr. Cole, finding that his ride was more extensive, his duties greater than 



154 HISTOEY OF CHESHIRE. 

ever they had been before, feared that physically he could not cope with 
them, and sold his office and ride to Dr. A. M. Bowker of Savoy, who im- 
mediately took possession of the office and house vacated by Dr. Isaac Cole. 
And Dr. Cole, after thirty years of continued, conscientious practice, re- 
tired, thus giving himself time to recuperate and regain his health. 

The Cole Brothers entered into a partnership in the tannery business 
with N"athan Mason, at the Kitchen, in 1853. This was an old established 
business, one of the first industries of the town. During this decade Mr. 
Allen Brown moved the store, occupied first by Russell Brown, on the hill 
to Depot street, where he opened a tin store. 

Hiram Brown owned a cabinet shop which was quite an industry in the 
village for sometime. Jessie Jenks came into the place with his family and 
bought a home on Main street. Frank Pettibone bought a shop on Main 
street carried on a wagon maker's establishment and kept a forge. Peter 
Trotier also was in nearly the same business in an adjoining building; they 
consolidated at last and went on together for a time. 

Rufus Glover kept a -smithy's forge at Scrabbletown for a long term of 
years. 

Cheshire, whether fortunately or the reverse, must be a matter of opinion, 
has never been infested to any great degree, by lawyers. In 1854 G. E. Cole, 
a young man who had just completed his studies, opened a law office 
in a room above the store of R. C. Brown. What his success in the village 
might have been can liardly be told, as his stay was so short. In 1857 he 
anticipated the oft reiterated advice of Horace Greeley to young men, to 
"go west," and found a wider field of action in the.tlien, territory of Minnesota. 

John C. Wolcott who, ))lessed with ability and talents far more than or- 
dinary, has been a character of somewhat erratic light, is the only lawyer 
that the town can boast. Well educated, a student by nature, heir at differ- 
ent times to large estates, had he lived \\\) to the possibilities of his life he 
might have stood to-day where the rivers of success flow, and his name 
been written high on the ladder of fame. Returning from college in 1844, 
he fitted up the low store for his office and occupied it for some years as 
his 4en, 



CHAPTER X. 



FROM 1857 1867. 



COUNTRY LIFE. GEORGE W. GORDON BUYS SAND BED, R. A. BURGET. 
BUSINESS CHANGES. STAFFORD HILL CHURCH TORN DOWN. THIRD 
CHURCH. TEMPERANCE CAUSE. UNIVERSALIST. METHODIST. CATHOLIC. 
STEAM MILLS. PUBLIC LIBRARY. NEW CEMETERY LAID OUT. BREAKING 
OUT OF WAR. OUR BOYS IN BLUE. 

And now tlio farms laid ont in the woods had grown to be pleasant dwel- 
ling places, the daj^s and the work went on pleasantly, the progress made 
was strong and firm. The amphitheatre of the pastures with the circling 
boundaries of woods, pierced on the horizon by the creeping railroad trains 
came to be considered better even than before, by the farmers who at first 
had rebelled at the thought of having their noble meadows crossed by the 
iron steed, or the pastures where their herds fed cut in two by the track. 

It was rather an advantage than otherwise, after all, they concluded. The 
long, crumbly, soft slopes of the plouglied land that could just as well stretch 
up to the woods, as down in the valley, were as meHow as need be. 

The little home landscapes were as snug, and the rich, billowing fields 
with their patches of wide-leaved clover looked just as well to these farmers, 
indeed, they rather enjoyed sitting on the porch with their wives, when the 
churning was done, and the meals were over, and watch the engine going up 
the valley, leaving its train of smoke behind it like a long silver cloud. 

These same farmers had said in the beginning that the smoke, dust and 
cinders would fill the springs that run by the wayside and spoil the water 
that they drank, that the smell of the smoke would fill the air and destroy 
the sweet summery odors, that the sparks would set fire to the sheds, pens 
and woodhouses, and so forth, but the buildings never took fire, the water 
trickled through the limestone just as pure, the spicy furs and lilacs were 
as sweet and the unmown blossoms along the farmers' willowy, bushy, seedy 
back roads filled the air with their usual perfume. 

Besides the market was higher for their produce, and far easier of access. 
The floors for the iron track had to be laid, and the water for the tanks al 



156 HISTOEY OF CHESHIRE. 

the station below carried from the highhmd springs across the intervales, 
and these farms were well timbered and watered, still more the generous 
sum paid for damages made a little nest egg for a rainy day, and smoothed 
up rough angles wonderfully. 

In blissful ignorance of what was going to happen in the near future, 
little dreaming that the country was soon to be made sick with the terrible 
flavors and blood of war, they lived on in their quiet comfort, increasing 
their friendshijjs and affections, delighting in their merry makings and 
careless hospitalities, enjoying their books and work and country sports. 

The sympathy sometimes expressed for tlic lack of excitement and variety 
of American country life is all bosh ! As life goes on, in the prosperous 
country homes, be they in the village or on the farm, nothing could be 
more delightful. Trained to hardships in early life, the men, are i)erhaps, 
indifferent to luxury, care little for outside form and would despise city rules 
of etiquette, but no dread privation stalks through their halls, nor carping 
care sits at their board. Masters of comfortable homes, fathers of blooming 
girls and stalwart boys, they are content. Pleasure is found for them in 
driving over the shadowy green fields their gentle Alderneys and Jerseys 
with eyes like a gazelle, their short horned Durhams and beautifully formed 
Devons all of Avhich are too good to sell. 

These men were not conventional and cared not for society, but they were 
descendants of those who sailed in the " Mayflowe]- that day," and were full 
of self respect and simple dignity. They were true and brave, and when the 
issue came would take their muskets on the shoulder and enter in the rank 
and file of the army. 

The best families of the town were of high refinement, endowed with good 
health and sense. The ladies were fond of dress and company in a sufficient 
degree to keep the village society moving. The girls were stylish and had 
been educated in good schools, at home or at some boarding school abroad, 
they gave entertainments that were attractive with music, refreshments, 
bright conversation and so on, thus keeping things lively for those who en- 
joyed social life, and those who did not, kept away, as from something that 
did not concern them. 

So while all things seemed well with them they came down toward the 
year 18G0. Trees were standing in the woods, but they would grow and the 
chopper would cut them down that they might help to build the car which 
soldiers should rule forth to victory or to death. 

Blankets laid away in bureau drawers, when the soldiers of 1813 required 
them no more, waited through all the years wrapped in cedar shavings, but 
the day was surely coming when they would be taken out to do service again. 
Bundles of linen and balls of lint, in the depths of dark chests, redolent with 



li-ROM 1857—1807, 157 

lavender and bergamot, were to'ssed about by the careful housewife from 
time to time while she wondered for what she saved them. She did, and 
the cry would soon come up from Southern hospitals for just these things. 
An old lady sat by her chimney corner fashioning warm, soft socks and 
mittens. "For whom are you knitting Granny Owens ? " some one asked 
one day. "Oh, for our boys, for John, and Joe, and Bill, they are 
in the meadow yonder raking hay." John and Joe and Bill had lived to 
elderly men and died, all past the three-score given to man. Many a day 
had passed since they had raked the hay in the meadow. The poor old 
mother, almost a hundred years old lived in a dream. To her it was very 
real that her boys stood by her chair on the shadowy stoop, and came up 
from the ten acre lot at nightfall. Therefore the pile of stockings and 
mittens, knit soft and warm, and long, just as "our boys"' loved to have 
them grew, as the years were numbered, and they would be needed, surely 
needed for the tramp, tramp of Uncle Abraham's fifty thousand more, was 
soon to be echoed across a continent. In the meantime daily life went on. 
- On October 4th, 1858, George W. Gordon of Boston, bought of the Berk- 
shire Glass Company all rights of sand belonging to them, and shortly after 
all the land. In the same year Mr. Gordon employed K. C. Brown as his 
agent. Men were employed to work the bed. Sand was dug, washed and 
shipped to the different markets. 

There was quite an extensive revival of religion among the Methodist 
people during the latter part of this decade. In 1858 Eev. J. B. Wood 
was minister at both South Adams and Cheshire. In 1860 Eev. Henry 
Johns was located at Cheshire. He enlisted as chaplain of the 49th, a 
Berkshire regiment, and at the close of the war wrote a history of their 
life in the camp and field. In 1862 Mr. Iiansom was pastor, 1803 Eev. Mr, 
Taylor, 1S64 Eev, Mr. Osborne, 1865 Eev, Aaron Hall, 1807 Eev. Mr. Hurd, 
The church on Stafford's Hill had no thrilling events to record for many 
years before its demise. Through the storms of half a century it had stood 
upon the hill-top, builded there in 1780, rather than where it stood first 
by the church yard in the northern slope, because of the village around 
it. It had seen house after house go down, family after family remove 
until its windows looked upon a bare hillside. Neglected and forsaken, it 
stood upon the highest point, a land mark for miles and miles around. 
The shutters high up in the belfry tower flapped and banged in the blasts 
of November, the great doors creaked and groaned, the pulpit from which 
the '' Arduous Werden" preached, where, too, was often heard the voice 
of the "pleasing Covell," where the "pious Mason," plead with sinners 
and the popular Leland spoke to the breathless throng that packed the 
])ews and aisles below, was dusty and cobwebbed still more, w^as shaky and 



158 HISTOET OF CHESHIRE. 

tottering, the glory of the old church had departed. It could not be rc- 
l)uilt by empty fields, and wind-tossed trees, so it was torn clown, and just 
one puny tree marks its site, a little to tlie north of the isolated farm house. 

Eev. Noah Bushnell lived at the hill, after the church was gone, upon 
the church farm ; but as he too, grew toward old age he left it for a home 
at the newer village, where he died at an advanced age. The church farm 
was managed l)y Shubal Lincoln as trustee. He rented it, looked ai'ter 
necessary repairs, kept the houses in comfortable order, and what surplus 
of money there may be is used for the support of the faith of the early 
owners of the soil. 

The Third Cheshire church was visited in 1858 by Eev. Emerson An- 
drews, au evangelist. Quite a large number of conversions followed his 
labors, and several additions were made to the church. Later in the decade, 
about 1866-67, there was still another quite strong religious feeling. Union 
meetings were held in the churches, and much interest was manifested 
among the young. 

Elder Fernando Bestor was secured as pastor of the Third church in 
1858. He was a devoted Christian worker, and an able man. He remained 
however only seven years, for in 1805 he was succeeded by the Rev. 0. C. 
Kirkham. During this decade the parsonage at the foot of the hill was 
purchased. The Eev. Mr. Ballon was stationed as pastor of the Universalist 
church in the early part of the decade, and later Mr. Stoddard, they were 
both energetic, working pastors. For a short time during the stay of Mr. 
Stoddard, Eev. Mr. Boudrie was supplying the Methodist pulpit, and being 
a strong and deeply interested worker in the temiierance movement, he in- 
terested Mr. Stoddard, and some of the influential people of the town, 
so that with a united, vigorous effort, they organized a I'eal, live and effi- 
cient temperance society, with its Band of Hope for the children, and a 
meeting for older people, iu which the members took a lively and abiding 
interest. 

Mr. Warner opened in 1859, a school in the basement of the Baptist 
church which was well sustained and after he closed his connection with it, 
it was carried on by Miss Jane Martin for many successive years, and until 
the present system of grade schools were inaugurated, this school was an in- 
stitution here. Mr. Albert Wells also taught a select school on Main street. 

In 1850 Dexter Angel kept the hotel at the Wolcott stand. In 1802 
Nathan Angel was the landlord, and in 1864 Daniel Morey. With the exit 
of the last named proprietor, this time honored inn closed its public record, 
after this date it was occupied by the family. 

The Catholics bought in 1860 the Allen Brown hall where they held ser- 
vices with Father Purcell of Pittsfield until 1800, then they iiired the 



FKOM 1857—1867. 159 

Universalist house, as so many members of that church had died — so many 
moved from town, that the burden fell very lieavy upon tlie few who were 
left to sustain reguhir service, and they decided to give up the attempt for 
a time and rent their house. 

In 1860, on the 30th of March, Homer Jenks wlio had commenced busi- 
ness, (dry goods and groceries,) in the store built by Otis Cole on Depot 
street, was appointed postmaster, this office he held only one year. Mr. 
Peter Trotier living where Mr. Nathan Harkness now lives, opened a 
temperance house and received the appointment of postmaster on December 
24, 1861. 

In 1861 anotlier pleasant and valuable addition was made to the town and 
its society in the families of Mr. John Bucklin and Mr. II. C. Bowen. Mr. 
Bowen going into business at the stand of E. D. Foster. The recently 
published Bowen memorial traces back the family to Wales, in the eleventh 
century, and gives their coat of arms. H. C. Bowen is descended from 
Griffith Bowen. 

In 1862 George Martin bought of A. P. Dean his share in the steam mill 
and the firm of Dean & Martin was established. In 1863 G. Z. Dean en- 
tered the mercantile firm of J. J3. Dean, the firm being known as Dean & Son. 

After five years of silence, in 1862, J. N. Richmond started up the glass 
factory again. He, however, gave it only a short trial and sold out, March, 
1864, leaving it in the proprietorship of J. B. Dean, George Martin, 
Daniel Burt and George Eeed. 

For another year it went on its way, this was its final effort, and with the 
end of 1865, the Union Crystal Glass Company closed its varied career and 
fell into oblivion. 

July 23d, 1863, the Richmond Iron Company bought the furnace which 
had been lying idle so long, and sent R. A. Burget here as their agent. A 
fortunate step for the Iron Company and an especially fortunate one for the 
town, as it gave to Cheshire an energetic, whole souled and useful citizen. 
One who has ever been among the first to act in all steps leading to the im- 
provement and welfare of the town, ever ready to bear his share of every 
burden and expense. 

Mr. Burget is a descendant of Coenreat Boryhghardt, who first settled in 
Kinderhook, N. Y. We find in Mr. C. J. Taylor's able " History of Great 
Barriugton," that "this Coenreat Boryhghardt is mentioned in the Docu- 
mentary History of New York, as a prominent resident of Kinderhook in 
1702, and again in 1720. He was an active agent in purchasing the Hous- 
atonic township of the Indians, and was afterward employed to make pur- 
chase of a tract of land further north. These Indian owners, thirty-one in 
number, came to his house in Kinderhook:, in 1731, and were entertained 



160 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

by him for seventeen clays ' with great fatigue and trouble to himself.' In 
1742, the General Court, in consideration of his services, granted him a 
tract of land of 200 acres, lying (if we mistake not) in the town of Rich- 
mond. After liis removal^ to Great Barrington he added other lands, and 
at his death appears to have been the most wealthy of all the settlers, and 
to have maintained an influential position among them." 

In 1865 the steam mill of Augustus Loyd burned. He in company with 
F, F. Petitclerc rebiiilt the mill. They increased the business, made fel- 
loes in addition to the sawing of lumber and other items. In 1867 Mr. 
Petitclere sold out to Mr. Frank Jenks. 

Early in this decade W. F, Richmond carried on a carriage trimming and 
harness-maker's shop on Main street. In 1867 he kept a restaurant on 
Main street. In 1866 Mr. J. D. Northup left the farm upon which the 
family had lived since the earliest days of the settlement, when the pioneer, 
Stephen Northup, constructed the crude box and built the midnight fire 
to foil the ravenous wolves. There came also Harry Ingalls, his brother-in- 
law, son of Stephen Ingalls, Mr. Northup's nearest neighbor. These two 
made their homes on Depot street. 

In 1866 another institution was organized, of .which it is a pleasure to speak. 
This is the public library. A village library is nothing new under the sun. 
This village has been blessed with one before, but a library as successful in 
all points as this one has been, is somewhat rare. In the district library's 
history may be read that of the large majority. A few hundred books are 
purchased, so few that they do not require one especially to care for them, 
therefore, on the counter of some store they find room with an arrangement 
by which some clerk will look after and give them out once a week either 
gratuitously or for a nominal sum. An arrangement that runs well for a 
little, time then the interest of the public dies away, the attention of the 
clerk gives place to inattention, and the books one by one are neglected, 
misplaced and forgotten. So it had fared with the books belonging to the 
original first library. In this day of books, when every family is pro- 
vided with many, a public library must of necessity have a considerable 
variety and number of volumes on its shelves, even at the very outset ; 
must be of sufficient value to make all feel the importance of caring for it, 
and of making additions to it. Something like this was the start of this 
library in 1866. 

A stock company was formed, each member to pay 15 a share, subject to 
%1 per year tax. This did not give a fabulous sum to purchase books with 
in the otfset. However, the books were obtained, selected with great care : 
A building erected especially for them and a librarian procured, who made 
the care of the books secondary to nothing. 



FROM 1857—1867. 161 

For a short time the library was kept in the store of J. B. Dean, Mr. 
William Martin, librarian. It was then removed to the building now used, 
hut which stood then upon the present site of the Catholic church, Miss 
Kate Richmond, librarian. When the building was. purchased for the library 
it was moved to its present lot. Mr. Martin took charge of it again, after 
which it fell to the care of Miss Richmond until slie left town. Miss Jennie 
Foster and Miss Eva Cummings were librarians at different times. Miss 
Mary Martin succeeded and held the post until the fall of 1883, when she was 
succeeded by her sister, Miss Emma Martin. What would have been the ulti- 
mate fate of this library had it not have had as the most interested of workers 
in its behalf our whole soulod phiL-mthropic townsman, E. D. Foster, Esq., 
cannot be predicted. Throwing his whole heart into the work, he has talked 
and planned and begged for the Cheshire library. Situated as but few are 
he could command the attention of some of the leading men of the state, 
poets, writers and historians. He used the fluent language ever ready upon 
his lips to its utmost possibility, and the books came pouring in from all di- 
rections. Authors donated to Mr. Foster their works. People who were 
in position to command duplicate copies of desirable works handed them to 
Foster for his pet project, the Cheshire library. Talented men who pre- 
})arcd a lecture in the fall to deliver through the winter, upon some occasions 
gave their lecture for the benefit of the library. General Foster had manv 
strings to his bow and lie managed them admirably. 

After the removal of Dr. Bowker, Dr. Phillips entered Cheshire ;is a med- 
ical practitioner. He was a young man, a grandson of Dr. Tyler of Adams, 
who was well known through the the valley. Much of tlie time Dr. H. Y. 
Phillips has been alone in his profession. Sometimes he has had competition. 

In 18-39, the town voted to purchase a lot for a new cemetery. The fol- 
lowing committee was chosen: Daniel B. Brown, Alanson P. Dean, Calvin 
Ingalls, Return M. Cole, Andrew Ben net. Alanson P. Dean was appointed 
to take charge and direct oversight of the drafting of the cemetery when 
the lot was decided upon. 

On the crest of a hill, at the base of which the village lies, a desirable 
spot was found, of fine rolling ground. Six acres were purchased of the 
Wolcotts for $750. During the year 1859, the expenses of laying out, 
enclosing and adorning amounted to 1775.44. During 1860 the amount 
was 1656.45. It reaches from the brook on one side, to the highway on 
the other. Gray willows stretch their arms over the brook in the ravine 
below, and round-topped maples grow on the hillside. It is laid out with 
great taste and has all the beauty of a park. The monuments are notice- 
able for the variety shown both in their form and surroundings. Slab, and 
shaft, gleam through willow, evergreens and shrubbery, and through the 



163 HISTORY OF CHESHiEE, 

soft, warm days steals the fragrance of flowers, cultivated there by loving 
hands. Trees shade the winding paths and driveways, and over it all lingers 
an air of peaceful rest and quiet Ijeauty, the hush only broken by the mur- 
mer of the busy brook and the humming of the brown bees. 

The ancient burial place, across from the church, still remains in its 
neglected field. The pathless, half-walled inclosure is overgrown with rank 
grass and tall weeds. Now and then a stone cants sideways, and again one 
has toppled over. It has a feeling of unrest and neglect, as though it 
doubted the interest of the present generation. But its occupants sleep 
their dreamless sleep, rarely visited save by some explorer who kneels to 
read the inscriptions engraved on the bowed and mossy tombstones, upon 
which the dead tallied the years for a century, but where they keep the 
score no more. 

In the new cemetery, beneath the turf and the bloom, lie our soldiers 
who came back to its no more, and with every returning spring, upon their 
graves are placed fresh garlands, and above their ashes memory's wreaths 
are twined anew. 

With this decade a century closes since the history of our town began, 
and with the year 18G7 ends a decade of years, for which can be claimed a 
position unequalled throughout the records of time. The interest of his- 
tory has always seemed to cluster around some few periods. 

The ten years from 1490 to 1500 gave America to the world; taught 
Vasco da Gama the water route to the Indies, ;ind made changes among the 
ci'owned heads of Europe, that altered the whole type of the times. 

That from 1640 to 1650 developed the long Parliament, and gave Oliver 
Cromwell as Lord Protector to England. That from 1765 to 1775, that led 
up to our own revolutionary struggle, was full of interest to a world looking 
on, and they were all fraught with momentous issues. But the one of 
which we write leads them all, and contains more to excite the sympathy 
and arouse the wonder of man than any other. There is not time to look 
at the changes made among the powers in the old world, and the interests 
uprooted there; but in our own America, continental railways were organ- 
ized, the remotest nations conversed with us through cables laid in the 
deep green sea — the sea that man was once afraid to navigate. Marvellous 
inventions and discoveries in science have been made by which man will 
take gigantic strides in the mission given him, to reclaim and possess the 
world, and an unparalleled war been fought on new principles and with 
new weapons. 

In 1856, the Republican party, that had just then sprung into existence, 
was beaten, but showed so strong that it frightened the slaveholders and 
their allies. In 1860 the Democratic party allowed it to beat by splitting 



FROM 1857— 18G7. 1G3 

at'tlie Charleston Convention, intending to make the election of the repub- 
lican president a plea to demand thnt the slave-holding States niiglit leave 
the Union. 

When on the 9th of January, 1801, the " Star of the East " stole along the 
waters of Charleston harbor, seeking to carry provisions to the garrison at 
Sumter, and received the fire of the rebel batteries, the war actually dated; 
but not until the guns, aimed at Sumter itself, sent out their wild alarum 
in April of '61 did the people sjn'ing to action. Then excitement ran at 
flood tide, a mighty war broke out an'd darkened the land. 

England virtually made herself a party to this war. France acknowledged 
the confederacy as a l)elligcrent, sent Maxamillian to Mexico, showing a desire 
to aid the South and tlireatcn us with a European war in our time of trouble. 

It was in 1862, after the battle of Antietam, and the vow of Abraham 
Jjincoln, that tlie Emancipation Pi'oclamation startled the world. The 
hundred days of grace ware not accepted; had they been, probably, slavery 
would have been fixed upon America for time. The first great blow was 
the proclamation, the second was putting colored troops into the field. 

Could our leaders have looked from some jorophetic Pisgah down the 
years from April 13, 1861, to April 0, 1865. when Grant and Lee stood 
beneath the shade of that historic apple tree at Appomattox* Court House, 
they would have doubted their capacity to do half that was done, and 
would, perhaps, have turned from the attempt. There was Gettysburg and 
Vicksburg, and Sherman's march to the Atlantic, through the enemy's 
land, an unparallelled feat in warfare; but over against these was the fatal 
Peninsular Campaign of 1862, where so many bones were left to whiten in 
the swamps and along the low shores of the Pamunky. There Avere Fred- 
ricksbnrg and Chancellorsville, tlie dark days of Chickamauga and Andcr- 
sonville and Libl)y that roll up a mighty wave of human woe that cannot 
be computed. Not a town, not a village, scarcely a hamlet, but has some 
victim in these terrific holocausts. 

And all the excitement and patriotism of the hour, in 1861, pulsed 
through the hearts of Cheshire men and women. Meetings were called; 
the long sheds of the furnace, idle now, furnished a convenient place to 
rally. Tlirilling speeches were made, words of patriotic eloquence spoken, 
enlistment papers unrolled and men mustered into service. 

As in every town, so here; some opposed the war and advised letting the 
South alone; but the masses were loyal and rallied to their country's call in 
her hour of peril. Societies were formed. Socks and mittens knit, have- 
locks, pin cushions, needle books, shirts and towels made, blankets brought 
ont that the grandmothers had spun and woven ; a thousand things pre- 
pared that soldiers would need, a thousand more that they never could use. 



164 HISTOKY OF CHESHIRE. 

Oh, tlic busy, sad days of that summer of 1861, when war was new to all. 
A summer so real and vivid and strange then, as its swift happenings 
rushed across our lines; a summer, passing now into a dream, as far away 
as the older battle days, and we tell to many a bright-eyed girl and boy the 
story of the "Kising of 1801," as our grandmothers told to us that of 1775. 

Only twenty years, or little more, since that summer of sunshine and 
shower, since its golden grain was garnered in the valley, since the Sickle 
and Archer traveled through that summer's sky, and Scorpio swung her 
fiery tail along the horizon; but it is almost forgotten. 

There was the gathering of troops; the martial music; the reverberating 
drum; the bright uniforms; the barracks, where the loved, from the family 
circle, went into camp and drilled for the battle field; the drives over, 
through the summery roads, to the town where the tents were pitched, and 
the companies remained until ordered on to the conflict; the spending of 
the day with some dear friend, perhaps a brother or husband, perhaps him 
to whom the love troth was plighted; the peering in at the low tents, the 
mess room, the drill, the dress parade ; the good-bye by the great camp 
gate, the pressure of the hand at parting, and the ride home through the 
evening dews. Then the final call, the last drill, the breaking camp, the 
deserted ground, the chartered railroad train trimmed with flags and ever- 
greens, loaded with the " Boys in Blue,'' the fife and drum, the perfect 
march, the wikl excitement, the jokes and merriments, until amid wild 
huzzas and shouts, and cheers, and waving handkerchiefs and tears, they 
were ofl: and gone. Such was the oft-repeated picture of the hours and the 
days of the war summer. 

And the coming home, none could foretell it then. Alas! all know it 
now. Sometimes our proud young heroes came again as conquerors come. 
Some walk our village streets to-day living monuments of the truth of 
prison pens and the horrors of battle ; and for some there was the long 
funereal train, the tolling bell, and the soldier's grave. 

Among regiments in which Cheshire men enlisted were the o7tlr, that 
went out in 180'-?, the 49th, in which D. B. Foster was lieutenant and Rev. 
Henry Johns was chaplain, and the 1st cavalry, 64th battalion, in the latter 
J. G. WoodrufE enlisted and several others. They were with Grant when, 
in the spring of 1864, he made the onward move to Richmond by the way 
of the Wilderness and the Rappahannock. 

After the week of fighting on the battlefield, where Hooker had fought 
before — where the rattle of shot and the boom of musketry was heard inces- 
santly along the gloomy aisles of the woods, where the smoke of the cannon 
made the dense thicket of low-growing trees dim as twilight, and no one 
could penetrate the thick gloom — Lee expected Grant to recross the Rapi- 



FKOM 1857—1867. Ifio 

d;in, Init to the contraiy, he imslied his army b}^ tlic Confederate right Hank 
toward Spottsylvania. While at this point General Sheridan passed to the 
rear of the Confederate army, defeated a cavalry force with the loss of their 
gallant commander, destroyed railroads and harassed the trooj)s. 

At the JSTorth Anna there was a strong force of rebels, and here it was 
that the soldiers of the 1st Cavalry, who for some reason had dismounted, 
were surprised and taken prisoners. Elwell Andros was shot in cold blood 
after surrendering. J. G. Woodruff, Hubbard, Lewis Davis and others 
were taken on board the cars and after going about from place to place for a 
week or more, they landed at Andersonville prison, and for nine mouths, 
here and at Milan, Georgia, they dragged out a terrible existence, only three 
surviving the dreadful ordeal. Placed within this vile stockade, exposed 
to the tiery heat of the tropic sun, to the pelting rain and the pouring 
shower, with little or nothing to eat, covered with vermin and clad in 
rags, the merest forms of men, some of them came up from tlie prison pens 
of the South. 

Ill the darkest days of Andersonville, when, with an ingenuity worthy of 
devils, the managers had arranged the surroundings so that the water these 
famished people had to drink, was vile with filth, a clear crystal spring 
sprang from the hillside ; at night the horde, panting, dying for pure 
water, lay down with no hope of such a blessing ; in the morning, as they 
opened their eyes, there it was bubbling from the ground, trickling down 
the hill, pure and cold, free to all, and where no device of the fiends in 
power could pollute or take it from them. A divine gift, heaven sent, and 
saving thousands of lives. 

Years have passed over the land since its waters sprang up at Anderson- 
ville. The stockade is torn away, a grassy bank shows where it was, and 
the terrible dead line that ran along by its side. The brook is dry, no trace 
of hospital remains, the prison yard, where so many tramping feet were 
wont to tread, is grass grown now. The gi'eat cemetery with its numbered 
graves 'tells its own story ; but lonely and gloomy and silent, there is noth- 
ing, to-day, left to speak of this prison as it was ; but the spring trickles 
still mid the long grasses, and bubbles up as clear and plenty, to tell to all 
visitors the story of its blessing. 

The 37th Massachusetts Regiment left Pittsfield in September, 1862. 
The line, so strong and brave, marched from Camp Briggs, through the 
cheering throng, listened to the eloquent prayer of Kev. John Todd, as 
they halted at the village park, and then, after the last good-byes were 
spoken, were off for the three years' service, stretching in uncertainty 
before them. Their gala days were over, and the stern necessity of a sol- 
dier's life upon them. Mid rain and storm they reached Washington ; 



166 HISTOET OF CHESHIRE. 

surrounded with sick and wounded soldiers, regiment after regiment crowd- 
ing into the camp already full, with goats and hogs running at large, to 
share their accommodations, they wraj^ped their blankets around them aud 
lay down to a soldier's slumbers. 

The 37th was assigned to the brigade of Gen. Henry S. Briggs, which 
formed at that time a part of the defenders of Washington after Lee's first 
northern invasion, and were soon settled at Camp Chase, on Arlington 
Heights. Ere the month was finished they were ordered to advance to the 
support of McClellan, after the battle of Antietam. Then came the dis- 
])lacing of that general, and on the 13th of December, the attempt of Gen. 
Burnside at Fredericksburg, to storm the works of the Confederates, who, 
protected by that stonewall which has passed into history, sent their mur- 
derous fires into the ranks of the attacking party, until dense masses of 
men were piled upon the ground, not forty-eight yards from the muzzles of 
their guns. Probably, for the number of men engaged, there was no battle 
throughout the war of tlie rebellion so bloody as this. 

In March, 18G3, Peter Dooley, Captain of Company K, was discharged 
on account of an injury. He had been on duty much of the time during 
the winter, although suffering from trouble in his ankle. He passed from 
camp hospitals to tlie front fifteen times, taking under his charge detach- 
ments of convalescents numbering hundreds, which he carried through 
without the loss of a single man by desertion, notwithstanding his own con- 
dition which must of necessity have weakened him physically. 

The 37th were ordered to break camp in January, 1863, with their 
regiment, and march for battle. The weather was fine, Burnside had 
laid his plans with high hopes, expecting to redeem his misfortune at 
Fredericksburg ; but the bright day ended in rain and storm and south- 
ern mud, the project was abandoned after a sorrowful march and Burnside 
was superseded. 

Under Hooker, at Chancellorsville, the 37th were in the hottest part of 
the field, and retreated at night-fall, over the river they had crossed in the 
morning. Hooker could not cope with the southern general and gave room 
for General Meade. 

The 37th noAV returned weary and spiritless to the old camping ground. 
Camp Edwards. The army felt this defeat very seriously, following so soon 
after Fredericksburg. Victory seemed to crown the banners of the south- 
ern army, and, elated with their success, the saucy pickets in gray woukl 
call out from within their woody coverts, or from across the running river: 
'•'tSay, you Yani-:, when's old Joe Hooker coming over again to take us ?" 

And now, Lee, flushed with success, started for another northern inva- 
sion, The 37th was called upon to report at Washington, and at Gettys- 



FKOM 1857— 18G7. 167 

burg tliey fought desperately aud bravely, receiviug from the colonel a 
comi)liment, expressive of his admiration at their splendid conduct under 
the most terrific artillery fire he had ever witnessed. At a sorry cost they 
liad earned the compliment, for six men lay dead or mortally wounded, and 
twenty-five others had been injured to a greater or less degree. In Com- 
pany A Towner B. Jenks, of Cheshire, was wounded. 

The night of the 3d of July, 18G3, was a sad one, and was spent by the 
soldiers of both the "Blue and the Gray" in looking over the battle field, 
seeking the wounded friend or striving to allay suffering, that no pen held 
by human hand can portray. The dreadful heat of the 3d had caused 
many a sunstroke, and a severe rain storm at night was a blessing to hun- 
dreds who were suffering from thirst. 

On the 4th, the 37th were ordered to throw up entrenchments, for in their 
advanced position they would be in danger from the firing of the foe. They 
had nothing but their hands, their bayonets and their plates to work with. 

On the 5th, General Lee began to gather up his broken columns for a 
return across the Potomac and Rapidan, and the demoralized, retreating 
foe was followed by the concpiering Meade and his men, but was allowed to 
make the crossing of the river and escape. 

At New York City, when threatened by the draft riot of 18G3, the 37th 
was present until the danger was over. 

At the battle of Kelly's Ford they distinguished themselves again, and 
when, in 1864, General Grant was made Commanding-General, reorgan- 
ized the army and made his strong hand felt from the Mississippi to the 
sea coast, the 37th was with him at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Cold 
Harbor, and sat down with him before Petersburg, from which place they 
were sent out on many skirmishes and battles during the year ending in 
1865. It was a noble, glorious record that this 37th Massachusetts Regi- 
ment won for itself. 'Twas no idle life of camp it lived, but a stirring, 
soldiers' campaign, ever on the alert, and when Richmond fell, Lee surren- 
dered, Davis was captured and Johnson's forces followed, their work was 
done and they were at liberty to return to the fair hills of Massachusetts. 

By the way of Washington they made their journey, where only the year 
before they were called to defend that city, when Lee was thundering at 
her gates. The city welcomed them with a round of applause and good 
cheer, which was repeated all along the route until they reached their last 
station. 

On the 38th of June, 1865, they were disbanded, and their flag put into 
the great hall in the State House at Boston. Tattered and torn, riddled 
with bullet and ball, dimmed by southern storms and dust, stained with 
blood, but dearer, ten thousand times, than when given to their standard 



168 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

bearer, fresh and unsullied, for it told a tale of honor and glory. Colonel 
Oliver Edwards, of Springfield, was commander of this regiment; made 
brigadier general May 10th, 1865. 

The 49th regiment was officered by Col. W. F. Bartlett, and was mustered 
largely in western Massachusetts. D. B. Foster, of Cheshire, was First Lieu- 
tenant in Company C, and many of the men were from this town. They 
were sent to Camp Banks, Louisiana, and during the year of 1803, volun- 
teers were called upon in the attack of Port Hudson, and were in a storm- 
ing party at that time. The regiment bore the ordeal through which they 
passed with unflinching bravery. Sixteen of their number were killed and 
many wounded. This regiment went out in 1802, and reached home again 
in August, 1863. 

There were enlistments of individuals in various other regiments. (See 
names in Appendix.) 

In 1803, Mr. David Prince moved into Cheshire and has been constantly 
eniiiloyed in building, earning his well-known reputation for doing thorough, 
and excellent work, while many of our pleasantest homes bear testimony 
to his skill. 

In 1804 the Cheshire Railroad depot burned, but as there were no lives lost 
and the dwelling was replaced in better shape than before by the railroad 
company, it was no loss to the town. 



ClIArTER XL 



FROM 1867 1884. 



CHEESE FACTORIES. MASONIC LODGE. STORES. BAPTIST CHURCH. HOTEL. 
METHODIST CHURCH. CATHOLIC CHURCH. DEATH OF PROMINENT MEN. 
DR. THAYEU. DR. MASON. TELEGRAPHY. NEW COMERS. FORGES. 
WATER CO. BERKSHIRE GLASS SAND CO. BUSINESS CHANGES. NA- 
TURAL CAVE. SUMMER RESORTS. CLUBS. 

In 18(;3 the excitement of the day in the dairying hiisiness, namely, 
cheese factories, reached Cheshire. The Graylock factory was put up at 
Pumpkin Hook, built by individual efforts. 

A stock company ^vas formed in 187G. At the National Dairy Association 
held in the city of Milwuulvee, Wisconsin, December 5, 1882, the cheese 
nnide at this factory took the first premium, thus holding the reputation 
made by the town in the days of Thomas Jefferson. 

In 18GC the land for the big reservoir was bought (under an act of legis- 
lature) by manufacturing companies; 1,000 acres were flooded and necessi- 
tated the moving of the lower road. It was finished in 18G9. 

In 1867 of this decade John and David Cole entered the mercantile busi- 
ness in the store on the hill under the firm name of Cole Brothers. 

In 18C8 F. F. Petitclerc built the cheese factory at the village. He 
brought the water from the brook to sui)ply the factory's needs, and oper- 
ated it for one year. In 18G9 it burned down. It was rebuilt the same year 
and purchased by a stock company, by whom it has been carried on until 
the present time. 

In 18G8 a Masonic lodge was organized at the village bearing the name of 
" The Upton Masonic Lodge." After a time the society bought Mechanics' 
Hall. Repaired and fitted over, it took the name of Masonic Hall. The 
Masons furnished the upper floor for their own use. It was a fine com- 
modious room for their meetings and entertainments. The lower floor they 
converted into two stores. One they rented to John Murphy, who opened 
the first drug store of Cheshire. 



170 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Sometime in 1867, Dr. L. J. Cole commenced lay services in the Third 
church, expecting to secure a pastor at an early date. 

A fine choir was formed, who with great thoughtfulness and apparent in- 
terest attended service with unflagging zeal, doing so much, by the fine 
music they afforded, to make the exercises pleasant, and by their example 
to draw others to the church worship, that it was comparatively easy for 
their brother to sustain the duties resting upon him. So the work com- 
menced for a few Sundays stretched over into 1868, and a full year was 
counted before a settled pastor was found, during which time the united 
labor and expression of pleasant feelings were of such a decided character 
as to be remembered ever after by the temporary preacher and his people. 

In 1868 the temperance movement broke out with considerable force. A 
Good Templar's Lodge was organized with its secrets, signs and counter- 
signs, its pass-word and regalias. It did a good work, inasmuch as it 
brought a flock of young people within its circle. We find Harrison and 
Werden Brown following their trade as carpenters, and many of the finest 
buildings in the county bear testimony to their skill; Eollin, son of Harri- 
son, is also engaged in the same occupation. 

In 1868 Eev. E. T. Hunt took charge of the Third church as its pastor, 
and soon after opened a school at the parsonage for the education of boys. 
A school that was well attended and sustained during his stay in Cheshire 
until 1870. At this time Eev. H. A. Morgan took the place with the par- 
sonage, and Mr. Hunt leaving town the school was broken up. 

In 1875 Eev. E. D. Fish from Nantucket, looking for a field of labor 
away from the salty breezes, visited Cheshire, and a feeling of mutual ad- 
miration resulted in the stay of Mr. Fish with the Third church for the 
next five years. 

In 1880 Eev. George M. Preston commenced his work among the people, 
filling the pulpit of the Lanesboro Baptist Church every alternate Sabbath 
day. Some interest of more than ordinary power was manifested in 1882 
under his teachings, and a few additions made to the church. 

Eev. Mr. Preston supplied the people at Stafford's Hill, preaching in the 
school house until 1884, when his services were required every Sabbath at 
Lanesboro, and Dr. Cole took his place at the Hill, where the glebe land 
profits provided preaching through the fine weather in the house not far from 
the site of the old church, around which such peculiar and interesting associ- 
ations linger. During this decade the Third church made some improve- 
ments in their church building; changing the basement into a suit of rooms, 
comprising kitchen, dining-room and conference-room. On the main floor 
the choir seats were removed to the opposite end of the audience-room. 

The Methodist church received at the appointment of the Conference in 



FROM 1867—1884. 171 

1870, Elder W. W. Foster; in 1873, Rev. W. B. Osgood; in 1876, Rev. Mr. 
Dow; in 1879, Revs. Thompson and Lee; in 1881, Rev. Mr, Elliot; in 1883, 
Mr. Hobbs, and after a few months, as he did not belong to the Conference, 
he was removed and Rev. R. J. Davies appointed in his place. 

The Catholic people continned their services in the Universalist house, 
until in 1869 they were able to erect their own church building. This edi- 
fice is one that is an ornament to the town, and was completed in the sum- 
mer of 1869, and on the 8th of August consecrated for worship. Here they 
have held regular services. Every Sabbath morning these church doors are 
opened and the pews occupied, in rainy weather as well as in fine. Here at 
the font the little ones have been christened and signed with the Holy 
Cross. At the chancel rail the bride has knelt, and upon the bier the dead 
have lain, lighted l)y the tall, dim candles for a little ere they are borne to 
the last resting place. A holy spot to its worshipers, endeared by all the 
tender associations of life. Father Purcell was their rector until October, 
1875, then Adams and Cheshire were made one parish, with Father McCort 
as rector until his death in 1880, when Father Moran succeeded. In 1884 
he went to Ireland and the pulpit and confessional were filled by different 
priests until September, when he returned, welcomed by his charge. 

In 1868 Peter Fairfield set up a forge on Main street, and C, Dawly one 
at Scrabbletown, In 1883 William Pomeroy succeeded Mr. Fairfield, Mr. 
Blair carried on a carriage shop during this era. 

In 1868 J. N. Richmond made a business move that did much toward 
building up and improving the village. He bought the farm and dw^elling 
of the successors of Capt. Brown, He surveyed the farm and laid it out in 
village lots, many of which he soon sold. Streets w^ere cut through the 
meadows and along the intervale where in 1814 the English soldiers played 
at foot ball and the militia captains drilled their soldiers. 

In the same year that Murphy took the drug store E, F. Nickerson 
opened a grocery in the block, which he occupied the most of the time until 
1884, when upon his death Mr. Earl Ingalls re-opened the grocery store. 
Mr. Ingalls was a former resident of the town, and at one time was princi- 
pal of the High school. 

In 1869 Mr. H. C. Bowen received the appointment as postmaster, and 
the office removed to his store, where it still remains, "When in 1875 Mr. 
Bowen bought an interest in the tannery at the Richardson grounds E, F. 
Nickerson took the store of H. C. Bowen. In 1876 this arrangement was 
dissolved and Mr, Bowen took his store again and carried on grain and coal 
business in addition; also running at the tannery ground a mill for feed, 
while Mr. Nickerson returned to the store in the Masonic block. 

In 1869, Cheshire received again some additions to its church and society 



172 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

in the families of Messrs. Nathan, Adam and Stephen Harkness, all of 
whom were from Adams. They came to Cheshire to make for them- 
selves pleasant homes, and to unite with the church and its interests. In 
Mrs. Nathan Harkness the village can boast a lineal descendant of the 
famous John Alden and the beautiful Priscilla, who is noted the wide 
world around by the arch words which the poet Longfellow has j)ut upon 
her lips: 

" Why don't you speak for yourself, John? " 

Mrs. Harkness is the sixth generation behind her illustrious ancestor. 
The Harkness family was a Quaker family and settled originally at Adams. 

In 1870 a large and commodious school house was erected in the eastern 
part of the village at a cost of $15,000, which accommodated all of the 
children in the different departments, and is a graded school. The old 
school house was appropriated to the uses of a town hall. 

Miss Jennie Martin taught a select school prior to this, and closed it only 
Avhen the graded school began. 

The Captain Brown house with its riven clapboards was refitted and in 
1870 sold for a hotel. Mrs. Olin lvei)t a temperance hotel a few months, 
then was succeeded by Perry Perkins. Frank Jenks was its third proprie- 
tor, and under the name of the Hoosac Valley House won a reputation 
for the orderly, neat manner in which it was kejDt, as well as for the prodigies 
in cooking that were provided for the table by the deft fingers of his wife 
and daughter. Mr. Holmes succeeded Mr. Jenks. Mr. Mehrer, from New 
York City, was its next proprietor, followed by Frank J. Jenks, a genial host, 
and one attentive to his guests, so that his rooms are filled. This hotel is 
an inviting place in summers days. The front door massive and deep 
swings open, the high verandas looking over village and stream, gay-colored 
flowers adorn and brighten the entrance steps. Large, square and old-fash- 
ioned it stands, stately and imposing yet, one of the representative houses 
of Cheshire. 

Turning north from this building, at the head of Main street, one was 
confronted by the Wolcott tavern, bearing the air of taking life comfort- 
ably, but with foot-worn steps and entrance hall ante-dating the century. 

1850 Felix Petitclerc, a boy of scarcely twelve years, a stranger and a 
traveler only just from France, entered Cheshire on the evening train. In- 
quiring for a hotel he was directed to the Wolcott house and given for a 
lodging room a front chamber. He probably slept soundly after the day's 
Journey, little dreaming that he was occupying a room where sixteen years 
later he would be master of all the surroundings. He bought the place in 
18G6, and in 1869 he tore down the store and rebuilt the house, making of 
it a spacious private residence. This was another old landmark preserved 



FROM 18G7— 1884. 173 

with generous cure, but, which from this time appears in a new dress. Vases 
of flowers stand where the tall sign post used to swing, and deep bay windows 
have taken the place of the small panes that overlooked the drive-way and 
the village street. 

In 1873 Noble K. Wolcott, who was reared in Cheshire and connected 
with its business through his early life, died at his home, the homestead of 
the Wolcotts. This man was always successful in his investments and amassed 
a large fortune. He married late in life and died without children. He 
was the last of Moses Wolcott's family. The home fell to Mrs. Noble Wol- 
cott and to Mrs. Fisk, a niece of Mrs. ^Yolcott and grand-daughter of Wil- 
liam Wolcott, whose name is often seen on the town records in early days. 

A little later Luther Brown, who had fallen heir to the river meadows 
and the intervale owned originally by Capt. Brown, died suddenly at his 
home. The family being south the home was broken up. He was soon fol- 
lowed by R. C. Brown, whose pleasant, kindly face and friendly interest in 
all who sought his advice, caused him to be remembered sorrowfully by a 
large crowd of friends gathered through years of daily meeting. 

J. N. Richmond, whose name has often been used uj)on these pages, after 
selling the lots on the fields that he had added to the village, went to Illi- 
nois, where he died three months later. Cheshire was bereft indeed in los- 
ing so many of her sons during this decade. Warner Farum, prominent as 
a town officer and a man of sterling worth, died a few months previous. 

In 1873 George Browning opened a harness shop, and being a good work- 
man he supplied a need that had long been felt. 

In 1873 the mill of Dean & Martin burned, but was rebuilt at once. In 
1881 Mr. G-eorge Martin left the mill on account of gradually failing health. 
A slow and insidious disease was undermining his life, and in 1882 in spite 
of the loving home circle and the deep interest of friends with which he 
was hedged about, notwithstanding the earnest wishes and prayers for his 
recovery to health again, he went down to the grave mourned and regretted 
by all who knew him. J. B. Dean continued the business sawing lumber, 
lathes and shingles, making barrels, barrel-heads, staves, etc. Connected 
with the mill is also a department where grains are ground for feed. In 1883 
George Z. Dean bought the interest of J. B. Dean in the store on Main 
street, and W. B. Dean the mill interests, which he carries on as before. 

During this epoch in 1874 the Farnum Brothers commenced the manu- 
facture of lime at Muddy ,Brook. This is quite a large industry, giving 
employment and helps the town, as they use many barrels and ship their 
lime abroad. 

Although telegraphy had made rapid strides since Morse first secured the 
favors of the powers at Washington for his wires and mode of working 



174 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

them, Cheshire had never had an office established within its borders until 
1876. Prior to this date any person desiring to send a dispatch to a friend 
was compelled to go to Adams or Pittsfield. No matter how great the haste, 
or how urgent the need, the long ride must be taken first, the message for- 
warded, and if an answer was required the time until its arrival spent as 
patiently as possible, then the homeward ride followed. This was felt a 
great inconvenience. Sometimes an important item was dispatched to 
Pittsfield, reaching there at an early hour in the morning, but could not 
cover the last ten miles and reach its destination until the morning train 
time, and it could go as mail matter. 

In 1876 the wires were laid through Cheshire, the posts put up, an office 
opened at Mr. H. C. Bowen's store, with Miss Julia Bowen as operator. The 
office is now at the depot and Mr. Marshall Jenks attends to it. In 1883 
Mr. Towner Jenks, who had lost his foot in the battle of Gettysburg and 
was an intense sufferer from it, found that he could not attend to the duties 
of the situation as station agent and resigned the position after a long term 
of service. Mr. Marshall Jenks succeeded to the place, Edwin Brown tak- 
ing the position of baggage master. 

In the beginning of the year 1875 the inhabitants of the village depended 
wholly upon springs and wells for a supply of water, and during the dry 
season when some of these failed many families were obliged to go quite a 
little distance to obtain it for daily use. In case of fire there Avas little or 
no protection, and the question of a good water supply began to be stroiigly 
agitated. Our enterprising and public spirited fellow townsmen Messrs. E. 
A. lUirget and F. F. Petitclerc proposed that a stock company be formed 
and the water brought from a mountain brook above the Kitchen, which, 
fed entirely by large springs, would furnish pure water in necessary quantity 
for the whole village. Their first efforts in this direction met with some 
opposition, and grave doubts were expressed as to the feasibility of obtain- 
ing enough water during the dry season to warrant the attempt and ex- 
penditure. But persistent effort generally carries the day, and bending 
every energy to the task, after weeks of argument and urging they convinced 
the doubting ones of the expediency of the project, and the company was 
incorporated by act of the legislature under the name of the Cheshire 
Water Company. 

Section first of the charter reads: " Richard A. Burget, Felix F. Petitclerc 
and George Martin, their associates and successors are made a corporation 
under the name of tbe Cheshire Water Company for the purpose of supplying 
the town of Cheshire with pure water, etc." The above named gentlemen 
were also chosen directors, and as soon as the Aveather would allow the work 
began, and was pushed vigorously until its completion in the early fall gave to 



FROM 1867—1884. 175 

our little town an inexhaustible supply of pure water, second to none in the 
state, with a pressure of 120 pounds to the square inch, thus furnishing ef- 
fective protection against fire. The pipes were all of cast iron and laid below 
the frost line, so that very little trouble from leakage has arisen. At first the 
pipes were only laid through that portion of the village west of the railroad, 
but later they were extended to supply a portion of Scrabbletown, and a few 
years after a further extension supplied the Tannery grounds with water. 
During the years following the purchase of the iron furnace by the Rich- 
mond Iron Company its progress was upward. The deposit of iron ore was 
found extending in different directions, and unlike other deposits on both 
sides of the valley. The limestone is found but seldom among the Hoosacs, 
and the quartz rarely among the Tagconics. The town holds upon her own 
soil the treasure of fine iron ore, a treasure which in a way outranks gold 
and silver, as the intelligence and advancement of a race toward civilization 
has always been marked by its use and knowledge of iron. Much of the ore 
used at the furnace is mined at Richmond, where the deposits are rich. 
The iron manufactured at the Cheshire furnace is second to none in the 
country. It is employed in the construction of the great guns at South 
Boston. The greater share of the time since 1863 they have been in opera- 
tion, save when idle for repairs. With the ups and downs that follow the 
iron market all mills are sometimes forced to close for a few months on ac- 
count of an over supply, or some similar condition, which is unfortunate for 
the town and the men employed at the works, but denotes no lack of pros- 
perity on the part of the operators. In 1884 the iron furnace was closed 
for the summer. 

The Gordon Sand Bed increased in its works and gradually enlarged 
its borders, adding other beds, which were developed and industriously 
worked. In 1875, upon the death of the former agent, R. C. Brown, F. F. 
Petitclerc was secured as agent and took charge of the works. He went at 
the work of developing the sand beds and enlarging the business with all 
of his energy. 

In 1876 a building was erected for washing and storing the sand. It was 
110 feet long by 40 wide. This same year another building was in\t up for 
the accommodation of an elevator and a pump, the latter worked by water 
power used to throw the water from the pit. A track was laid to the 
mouth of the pit where the sand was received from the elevator. Thirty- 
three thousand dollars were expended at this time in improvements. 

In 1877 George W. Gordon died, and the Gordon Sand Bed was man- 
aged by a new company under the name of the Berkshire Glass Sand Min- 
ing Company, F. F. Petitclerc, Agent. In 1879 it changed jiroprietors again 
and settled down firmly under the name of the Berkshire Glass Sand Com- 



176 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

pany. In 1880 a second building was erected for washing and storing, and 
in 1882 another was added. A cooper shop is operated where the barrels 
required in the business are constructed. 

In 1881 another sand bed was opened south of the village and a building 
for washing and storing put up. Here a side track runs in and the barrels 
when loaded for market are rolled from the platform of the building on to 
the car. In 1882 the Berkshire Glass Sand Company consolidated with that 
of L. L. Brown & Son. In 1883 some chasers were put in for crushing the 
sand; these are two huge circular stones run by steam, and prejoare the sand 
for market in different grades of coarseness, according to the following 
brands: 12, 18, 24, 40, 40XXX and 100. 

The quartz is also used by this company in making the best silica fire 
brick known. The company are now erecting a large building in which to 
manufacture them, and expect to be able to compete successfully with the 
best imported brick; the Cheshire brick having stood fire tests which melted 
the foreign brick. With teamsters, coopers and all, seventy-five men are 
employed in the different departments. So the Berkshire Glass Sand Com- 
pany has gone steadily on stretching out its arms, its trenches and beds 
have invaded the sleepy borough of Scrabbletown and undermined now and 
then a garden, here and there a house. Adding new machinery and conven- 
iences they dig, wash, crush, barrel and ship their wares in the most im- 
proved and systematic manner with the greatest ease and rapidity all over 
the world. 

And this deposit of sand, white as snow, and lying dormant so long ex- 
tends along the bed of the river and underneath our old farms, an exhaust- 
less pile, which came to the surface when needed, as petroleum bubbled up 
from the earth in floods just at the time when whaling ships came home 
from north sea voyages empty, and sailors declared the whale crop disap- 
pearing, while croakers on shore looked forward to a time, speedily ap- 
proaching, when the nation would be forced to sit in darkness because there 
was no oil. When man grows older on the world he will know that at the 
time of need for any discovery the train of circumstances to lead up to it is 
laid and the discovery waiting at the door, for all history tells the story. 

This sand is unequalled by any yet discovered, and won a gold medal at 
the London Exposition and a bronze at the Centennial. Cars go from the 
station daily loaded with it for distant points. At Boston it is used by the 
New England Glass Company, the Union, Boston & Sandwich Glass Com- 
pany, and a score more, in manufacturing everything that is dainty and 
beautiful from a tiny wine cup to an exquisite set of cut glass, for which 
you may pay half a thousand dollars. The following is a copy of the 
analysis : 



PROM 1867—1884. 177 

)fi ICE, No. 4 Statk Stukk 
Boston, Janu.-iry 13, 1880. 



State Assaykr's Office, No. 4 State Stueet, ) 



Berkshire Glass Sand Compa/tiy: 
Gentlemen: I have analyzed a sample of wliite sand received from Felix F. Petit- 

olerc, Supt., with the following- results. One hundred parts contain: 

Pure silica, - -.-.-_... 99.7s 
Alumina and lime, -----.._ o.22 

Total, ----------- loo.oo 

This is remarlval>ly pure silica in the form of wliite sand. It is cxcel'ent for use in 
the best of tlint glass and for chemical purposes. IlcspectfuUy, 

S. Daxa Hayes, 
State Assayer and Chemist, Mass. 

In 1876, The Cheshire White Quartz Sand Co. was organized ; J. B. 
Dean, President; George Z. Dean, Treasurer, They have two mills, and 
crush the rock without washing. 

Lovain Rider and Foster Brothers kept a meat market on Main street, 
giving up the business in 1878 to Cliarles Cummings who opened on Main 
street a meat market and grain store. In 1880 Mr. Ed. Beers went into 
the butcher business, keeping a market in the village, but doing a brisk 
trade from his cart in adjoining towns. 

In 1877 the Coles all entered a partnership in the tannery business under 
the name of Cole's Company. 

In 1878 Dr. D. E. Thayer commenced the practice of his profession in 
Cheshire. A graduate of the Chicago Medical College, he was well up in 
his practice from actual experience, both as a student and a practitioner. 
He has always had an extensive ride. Dr. Bliss left town and Dr. Thayer 
and Dr. Phillips have been the only resident physicians until Dr. Ira Mason 
returned from his western home to live among his early friends once more. 
Other physicians sometime ride in from adjoining towns, but none beside 
care to come and stay. Dr. Mason belongs to the family of Mr. James 
Mason, who was an early settler. The doctor is an unquestionable Mason, 
both his father and his mother were members of the Mason family. His 
father came to Cheshire a young man, and had no home in town; his 
mother was daughter of the James Mason who settled at the Kitchen, and 
after their marriage made Adams their home. From this same family de- 
scended the minister. Almond Mason. 

In 1881, the drug store was newly equipped and rented by H. J. Darljy of 
Adams. He remained its occuj)ant until 1884, when becoming interested 
111 some experiments in brick making that were being developed by the 
l)erkshire Glass Sand Co., he went into the new business, and Mr. H. F. 
Shaw of Dalton, relieved him from the store rental. 

In 1883 Mr. Guy Preston received the appointment from this Congres- 
sional District as cadet to West Point. He bore with honor the primary 



178 ■ HISTOET OF CHESHIRE. 

examination in 1883 and the second one at West Point in tlie summer of 
1884, and was admitted to the military school, to the drill of books and 
war, in camp and in field. 

In 1884 a gentlemen's club and reading room was established. The lead- 
ing papers are provided for the tables, debates are sometimes carried on, 
games are at hand, the rooms always warm and bright afford a pleasant place 
for both young and old to spend an evening; a place which young men with- 
out a home may find preferable to the bar-room or saloon. 

In the winter of 1884 the excitement concerning skating rinks ran along 
the towns from point to point like a prairie fire, and Cheshire did not escape 
the contagion. G. Z. Dean opened a rink which was well and faithfully 
sustained during the season. Some fancy skating was provided and an oc- 
casional tournament given. 

In the spring of 1884 Miss Eva Cummings opened a millinery store with 
ladies' furnishing goods in addition. Mr. George Stowell began to operate 
a green house. It was during this decade that Cheshire began to attract at- 
tention as a favorite resort for summer tourists. The scenery is picturesque 
and romantic, the mountain breezes are cool all through the heated term, 
there are no finer roads in the world than are found through this valley from 
south to norths hard and smooth and even they form strong attractions for 
pleasure driving, while the varied and charming scenery is a feast for tlie 
eye. There are many points in the near vicinity for strangers to visit that 
afford a pleasant day. Potter's Mountain, Graylock, Pontoosuc Lake, the 
famed Savoy House, Rolling Rock, Big Rock, are some of these spots. 

Upon the farm of the Northups, a farm owned by this family since the 
first Northup fought the wolves and built his log house in the early years 
of the settlement, is a cave which is a natural curiosity. The entrance or 
mouth is so small and overgrown by bush and bramble as to scarcely attract 
the notice of the passer-by, but after admission is gained a hall or narrow 
way leads to different chambers of good size. In some of these rooms pic- 
tures and words have been cut into the rock, and upon the floor are scat- 
tered pots, a knife or two and some dishes, showing evidently that it has 
been occupied at some time either by hunters or parties in hiding. 

Mrs. R. C. Brown commenced the movement of inviting summer travel- 
ers to the village by throwing open to those who desired a home for the 
weeks of summer, outside of the city, with its hot pavements and rows of 
wall, her own house on the hill with its spacious rooms, its wide halls and 
pleasant verandas. The giant trees in the outlying park break the hot rays 
of the sun, cast their heavy shade where the games of croquet and lawn 
tennis are stretched, and shield the players at their sport, or the invalid and 
the more quiet as they rest upon some rustic seat. Taken together, house, 



FROM 1867—1884. 179 

grounds and table it is one of the first in favor among tlio places offering 
board to tlie city strangers. 

Then there is the Hoosac Valley House with a crystal brook tumbling 
over the rocks, a little distance in the rear, a huge clump of trees tossing 
their crowns over the roof, and a lawn where the cider mill used to stand 
when the Captain was master of tbe place. This is another desirable home, 
made so by its proprietors. 

Prospect Farm, is situated on the eastern hills in the midst of the most 
ravishing prospect in the whole town. Well and appropriately is it named 
— Prospect Farm. The proprietors are generous, their table is loaded with 
all the good things the farm produces in profusion. Children play upon 
the grass in the field and ride up from the meadows on the big loads of 
hay; they follow the milkman to the stanchion or milk-yard with their 
cups and have them filled with the sweet foaming milk. There is no 
trouble there; city mothers need not throw away any of the little ones be- 
fore engaging board at Prospect Farm. There is room there for all of them. 

On the western hills a new house, nicely fitted up by Mrs. Daniel Wood, 
offers a home that is cool, quiet and healthful, with all the charms of a 
country farm life. 

At the Kitchen Mrs. Nathan Mason has a large, convenient house just by 
the brook — a picturesque and pleasant home. 

In the village, on Main street, is the home of Mrs. George Martin, a de- 
lightful place for any who desire to share a neat, tasty home made cheery 
by young ladies and agreeable surroundings, both within and without. 

The selling of berries is quite an industry among the children of the vil- 
lage. Rising at an early hour the willing feet and busy fingers are em- 
ployed tramping over the fields to the berry-patch, and picking the shining 
berries in their turn — the strawberry hidden in the long meadow grasses 
or ripening upon the sunny pasture hill, the raspberry or blackberry later 
in the season; filling huge pails they take the cars to Adams or Pittsfield, 
where they find a ready market, at a 2;ood price, for their fruit and return 
home with empty pails and a little pile of change tied up in the corner of 
their handkerchiefs. During the six weeks, commencing with July 1st and 
ending at the mid August days, 739 tickets were sold to children going to 
Adams alone. 

The Good Templar Lodge did its work, and as an organization it was 
abandoned as the years passed by bringing with them the crusade — the 
Women's Christian Temperance Union and other orders. In 1884, the 
W. 0. T. U. stands at the head, and from Maine to Florida, from Boston 
Bay to Puget Sound, it rules the hour and preaches prohibition across the 
continent. 



180 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

A reading club is carried on successfully in the village, having been in 
existence for a number of years and meeting on every Friday evening during 
the winter months. 

The Public Library has increased in strength until in the present decade 
its future outlook is very bright. Funds have been raised in a variety of 
ways with which to purchase new books. Many volumes have been given 
by different individuals. E. D, Foster has never lost his interest or relaxed 
his vigilance, and hundreds of books are on the shelves that could never 
have been obtained without his assistance and personals gifts. John C. 
Wolcott also has presented many volumes to the library. Some sets com- 
prising the complete works of an author. The little building is full now to 
overflowing. Every case and shelf and place that ingenuity can devise has 
l)een piled high with books. A fund is in reserve as a nucleus^ around 
which the library board and friends of the institution hope to gather suffi- 
cient to erect a suitable building. When this is done and a room pleasantly 
finished with appropriate surroundings of tables and desks, with book cases 
convenient and suitable for the preservation of their contents, it will ))e the 
crowning jewel of this Berkshire village. It contains now 2.37{) volumes, 
with Miss Emma Martin as their custodian. 

In 1884 Cheshire sustained a serious loss in the death of an efficient and 
valued town man, E. F. Mckerson. One of its business men for years, ever 
honorable and upright, he was a kind friend and neighbor; but he was far 
more than this to the town. A man of education he was, always interested 
in the schools, had served for many successive years on the Board of Edu- 
cation, and was looked upon as authority in all matters pertaining to these 
interests. It seemed almost impossible to fill his place. 

Approaching Cheshire from the south, and just beyond Meeting-House 
Hill at the north, one obtains the best views of the village, or rather of its 
chimneys, roofs and spires, nestled among the hills, half hidden by the trees. 
The spirit of inquiry has hovered over this ancient and interesting town 
during the year 1884, and a strong desire been evident to have its history, 
traditions and romances hunted up and put on record. 

Settled as it was over a century and a quarter ago by an active, sensible, 
energetic people it has borne through all the years of its existence a moral 
and intellectual character. Its climate is fine and salubrious, one that is 
conducive to perfect health and great longevity, of the latter statement the 
moss-grown, storm-stained stones of blue and gray that stand in its old 
scattered burying grounds are iwima-facie evidence. Aged 93 is the fre- 
quent record on these outposts at the extreme limits of life's journey. The 
bracing mountain air stimulates the mental vigor as well as the physical 
health. 



FROM 1867—1884. 181 

It is a town that has kept well up with the times. Situated near enough 
the great centers to keep pace with their literary culture and partake of 
their many and varied opportunities. It has been far onougli remote to 
escape the evils of its dissipations, and has ever maintained a self-sustaining 
and self-respecting inward life. It is somewhat ricli in family reminiscen- 
ces; occupies, in a certain measure, historic gvouiul, and possesses many 
elements of local interest. 

Chesliire is not specially fortunate in its lawyers that have remained to 
shine and adorn the town, but it has produced as many lawyers, doctors 
and ministers and sent them out for the foray and battle of life as any otlier 
town of its size on this or any other continent. 

Its streets in 1884 are broad and h)ng and old-fashioned, and at friendly 
distances along them are planted its houses — the modest, humljle ones, the 
antique buildings of early times and some pretentious ones of modern date. 

With its four churches, school house and town hall, its post-ofRce and 
stores, where dry goods, groccries-imd hardware dwell in harmony together, 
in addition to the more distinctive ones, with its shops where various 
branches of business are pursued, its miniature green house, its mills, sand 
beds and lumbering interests, the signs of Ijusiness are seen, and its busy 
hum goes on year after year, but its greatest interest lingers around the 
vine-clad homes — the dwelling houses with their 1)ody-guard trees and ap])le 
orchards as back grounds. Entering them one often tinds an air of gentili- 
ty, and is pretty sure to see some reminder of the foremothers and fore- 
fathers. Sometimes these houses are a perfect museum of anticpiarian pos- 
sessions. Not filled with Sevres china, or ewers and platters after Palissy, 
but on side board or dresser stai/d cups, saucers, plates and platters, sugar 
bowls and creamers, owned as early as 1750 by some grand-aunt or great 
grand-mother, and going back — how far no one knows; of that delightful 
tinge of pink, bine or niuljjerry that belongs to the ]U"imitive time and costs 
a small fortune over the counter of a. china store. Tea urns and bowls, so 
dainty, of such ancient device as to cause a hunter after these relics to spend 
sleepless nights of longing to own them. Chairs and })ictures brought from 
"Down Country" through the foi'ests by the i^ioneers in 1767. Spinning 
wheels and reels, and in some cases the low ceiling and polished beams of 
the last century may be seen. While some residences are perfect ware-honscs 
of souvenirs from preceding generations, every one of them has a tea cup, 
plate, platter or punch bowl that has connected with it some tradition 
of interest. 

Among the greatest curiosities of porcelain, among the rarest l)its of old 
china and ancient silver are those in the possession of Mrs. William Card 
and her daughters at Pumpkin Hook, and Mrs. Julius Hammond, daughter 



182 lIISTOIiV OF CUES HIKE. 

of Squire Ezra Barker. Perhaps the most ancient and (inaintest article 
owned by the hitter is a set of knives and forks brouglit froniEnghmd with 
the Barkers and descending from generation to generation, a round-shaped 
blade in the knives and three tines in the forks, with a green handle of 
horn almost transparent. Pieces of pewter and silver are treasured that 
glittered upon the dresser of Squire James Barker as long as he lived, and 
were no doubt among the household goods which in 1773 he shipped to 
Providence, there to set out with wife and children for the Lancsborough 
settlement in the wilds of Berkshire. Upon his death they fell to Ezra, his 
son. 

These silent memorials of Colonial times are scarcely known beyond their 
own immediate owners, but are of deepest interest and should always be 
treasured with greatest care, for, as the years sweep on, and this town 
with its history and traditions and legends of the past is entering upon 
the second century of its existence, their value will increase in a geometri- 
cal ratio. 

In closing this chapter we must not fail to mention the Cheshire Shoe 
Manufacturing Comi)any, which has recently rented the old tannery prop- 
erty, and transformed the formerly deserted rooms into scenes of busy 
industry. Where, at the close of 1884, all was silent, save the steady whir 
of the grist-mill, in May, 1885, is heard the buzz of machinery, the pound- 
ing of countless hammers, the tread of hurrying feet, and our quiet town 
heartily welcomes this addition to its business enterprises. They have one 
hundred and twelve people now in their employ, and the building will 
admit of a working force of three hundred. Population of the town in 
1880, 1,537 ; valuation 1884, 1603,090. 



CHAPTER XII. 



SKETCH OF REV. JOHN LELAND. 



So thoroughly interwoven is tlie name of Jolm Lchmd with the New 
Providence settlement, and the town of Cheshire that succeeded it, no his- 
tory of them would be quite complete without a short biography of this 
great and good man. 

From commencement to close, the story of this life is full of interest. 
The town can ill afford to lose the memory of its strong men. Every manlv 
life is valuable beyond computation, and this one, so upriglit and so power- 
ful, prolonged to more than four-score years, and given to the public service 
with such humble zeal and fidelity, takes on a dignity that demands our 
homage. He came to the Cheshire church when in its very infancy: he 
came, a preacher of the gospel, to labor for more than sixty years; to leave 
a name ever to be pronounced with reverence; to leave words and sermons 
ever to be remembered by a rapturous throng of admirers. 

Through the years following 1754 there lived in the village of Grafton, 
forty miles inland from the Puritan city of Boston, a boy called by his 
friends, John Leland. Loland, the father, was a man in humble position, 
and the childhood of John passed as was the fashion of childhood among 
rural folk at that early period — a period when the perfect hush of primeval 
nature rested upon the fair forests of northern Berkshire. Century after 
century the mornings had dawned upon its picturesque solitudes, and the 
setting sun been reflected in its ponds and streams. 

Leland's birth was coeval with the breaking out of that cruel war invoked 
by eastern monarchs in 17o4r. Braddock had not yet sailed from the shores 
of England, and George Washington, scarcely at his majority, was wending 
his way toward the fords of the Monongehala. Among the first of Leland 's 
remembrances were some of the atrocities committed during this war. His 
thirst for knowledge was intense, and he went, almost in his babyhood, to a 
village dame who taught him so well that at five years he could read the 
Bible with ease and fluency. lie was not handsome, and did not attract 
his teachers or mates, as a rule; his manners were stiff and rustic. Al- 
though not an Adonis in early days, in later life his mild hazel eye 



184 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

beamed with an an eloquent, winning light, and the burning words that 
fell from his lips seemed to invoke a magnetic circle that, like the touch of 
the magnet, drew everyone within it. It was often said of him, "Had 
John Leland chosen politics for a vocation he would have reached the pres- 
idential chair at the AVliite House." 

In his youth he was gay, wild and flighty, fond of revels and devoted to 
dancing; but, in the midst of this merriment, a voice spoke to him from the 
clouds, declaring that "he was not about the work he had to do." Hither- 
to he had been full of ambition and Avas no idler, although a lover of fun 
and frolic. He had planned to make a career for himself by becoming a 
lawyer. Knowledge he sought eagerly for for its own sake, and his fertile in- 
tellect could never rest; so, when the change came and he accepted the call 
from the skies, all, familiar with his history, remember how ardently he be- 
gan and continued the work he had found to do; with Avhat enthusiasm he 
labored for the conversion of those around him, and the G^d-given power 
lie held that swayed and carried with him great congregations as well as in- 
dividuals. His accents rarely fell upon indifferent ears. 

Leaving his youth and young manhood, with their frolics and romance, 
he m;irried Sally Devine of Hopkinton, aud, in this drama of his life, re- 
peats, somewhat, the experience of another John who lived in the Ply- 
mouth colony during the first years of its existence. 

Amid the rollicking and fun-loving spirit? of this rural circle, Sally De- 
vine of Hopkinton seems to have been a prime favorite, a friend of Leland's 
had Ijcstowed his society upon the fair Sail}', and been captivated by her 
manifold charms, being rather shy, like Macbeth in that grewsome scene at 
the castle of Inverness, he had never been able to ''screw his courage 
to the sticking place," and put in spoken words the story of his love, so he 
wrote to his charmer of his adoration, asked her to become his wife, and 
sent the missive down to Hopkinton by John Leland who chanced to be go- 
ing that way. The latter carried it and faithfully delivered it into the 
hands of Sally Devine; but to the indictment of love for the girl the subject 
of this chapter would be forced to plead guilty. Whether at the suggestion 
of Sally, or of his own free will, no one knoweth, but the conclusion is pal- 
pable that the word was spoken, and Sally Devine became Mrs. John Le- 
land, Avliile the bashful suitor, like Captain Miles, was left to nurse the 
tongs in the chimney corner, or light Indian wars. Directly after this mar- 
riage they went to Virginia, and at Mount Poney in Culpepper they joined 
the Church. Elder TiCland was ordained, preached from this pulpit half 
the time, and spent the remainder doing the work of an evangelist. 

The Baptist WceMy gives the following account of the tirdination servi- 
ces: "The council, consisting of three staunch Calvanitts, was called, the 



SKETCH OF JOHN LELAND. 185 

day appointed for the ordination arrived, and with it came a multitude of 
people to witness the ceremony. The work was divided among the several 
presbyters: one was to ask the usual questions concerning his faith and call; 
another was to offer up an ordination prayer, and another was to deliver the 
charge to the pastor and the cliurch. Leland took his seat long before they 
appeared and, resting his arms on his knees and burying his face in his 
hands, awaited their movements. 

"The presbyter appointed to conduct the examination at last began: 
"Moderator. 'Brother Leland, it becomes my duty, according to previ- 
ous arrangement, to ask you a few questions upon the subject of your faith, 
and in reference to your call to the ministry.' 

" ' Well, brother,' said Leland, slowly raising his head, ' I will tell you all 
I know,' and down went his head into his hands again. 

*' M. ' Do you not believe that God chose his people in Christ before the 
foundation of the world?' 

"Leland, looking up. ' I know not, brother, what God was doing before 
he began to make this world.' 

" M. ' Brother Leland, do you not believe that God had a people before 
the foundation of the world?' 

" L. 'If he had, brother, they were not our kind of folks. Our people 
were made out of dust, you know, and before the foundation of the world 
there was no dust to make them out of:' 

" M. ' Do you believe, Brother Leland, that all men are totally de- 
praved?' 

" L. ' Ko, my brother, for if they were they could not wax worse and 
worse as some of them do. The Devil was no worse than totally depraved.' 
" M. 'Well, there are other questions that will embrace all these in sub- 
stance. I will ask Avhether you do not believe that sinners are justified by 
the righteousness of Christ imputed to them?' 

" L. ' Yes, brother, provided he will do right himself; but I know of no 
righteousness that will save a man if he will not do right himself.' 

" M. 'Brother Leland, I will ask you one more question. Do you be- 
lieve that all the saints will persevere through grace to glory and get home 
to heaven at last?' 

"L. 'I can tell you more about that, my brother, when I get there my- 
self. Some of them make a very bad start of it here.' 

"The presbyter, seeing that the audience was very much amused, proposed 
to his colleagues that they should retire for a few minutes and consult to- 
gether. After their return they remarked to the congregation that Brother 
Leland had not answered their questions as satisfactorily as they could 
wish; but, as they all knew that he had many eccentricities for which they 



186 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

should make every allowance; they had concluded, according!)-, to ask 
him a few questions touching his call to the ministry. 

" M. "■ Brother Leland, you believe that God has called you to preach the 
gospel.' 

" L. 'I never heard him, brother,' 

"M. ' We do not suppose, Brother Leland, that you ever heard an au- 
dible voice; but you know what we mean,' 

"L, 'But wouldn't it be a queer call, brother, with no voice, and noth- 
ing said?' 

"M. (Evidently confused.) 'Well! well! Brother Leland, you believe 
that is your duty to preach the gospel to every creature,' 

" L. ' Ah, no, my brother, I do not believe it my duty to preach to the 
Dutch, for instance. When the Lord bade the apostles to preach to every 
creature he taught them how to talk to all sorts of people. He has never 
taught me to talk Dutch yet.' 

"The council retired and reported much to the surprise of Leland who 
was compelled to submit to ordination. After they had ordained him in 
due form he said: "Well, brethren, when Peter placed his hands on peo- 
ple, and took them off, they had more sense than before; but you have all 
had your hands on me, and before God I am as big a fool as ever.'" 

The Eevolutionary war had broken out and was well under way. Leland 
mingled daily with the people of Virginia, who were descendants of men 
that had made their settlements at the expense of individuals, not nations. 
They had shed their own blood, and spent their own fortunes. For them- 
selves they had fought; for themselves had conquered, and believed that it 
was their right to own and hold the fruits of their endeavors, a sentiment 
cordially shared by John Leland, Eeverence for the divine rights of 
royalty, or the prerogatives of a titled nobility, had but little place in the 
mighty mind of Leland, and the burning words for liberty he uttered, the 
glowing sentences he traced as though with a pen of iron, carried with him 
the whole country of the wilderness, and County Culpepper, The intel- 
lectual Jefferson and the noble Washington did him reverence. When 
Madison, from his out-look, believed his country to be in danger unless a 
certain course was pursued, he halted aghast one morning when told by a 
friend that John Leland was on the opposition side. 

"Then I am beaten," he gasped. 

" Yes," replied his friend, "unless you can convince him. He will go up 
to the polls with his commanding form and mysterious power, and the rank 
and file of his counties will follow him in an unwavering line; no power will 
avail to win one of them. They will watch Leland, and the vote he casts 
will be the one that they will cast, " 



SKETCH OF JOnx LELAXD. 1R7 

There was little time to lose. Early the following morning, mounted on 
!liis thoroughbred horse, the statesman, cabinet officer and future president 
Tode forth on his way to the County of Culpepper. It so chanced that, as 
the morning advanced, he saw a rider approaching him, and recognizing 
John Leland, by description, halting, he introduced himself and his busi- 
ness. Together they went over the events of the exciting campaign, and 
ithe issues involved. Leland's logic was inexorable; his arguments Avere 
strong; he summed up the principles upon which the new order of things 
would rest, and clung to his opinions. No intellect of the epoch, perhaps, 
was more powerful ; no genius greater for overturning and shaping a con- 
test, although untutored and uncultivated compared to that of the schol- 
arly ambassador before him, trained in all the elegance of the times. But 
the latter felt its strength, and never in hall of State, on Senate floor or 
lobby of the House did he select his arguments with greater care, or clothe 
them in finer eloquence. 

Noon fell upon the scene. In their eagerness they dismounted, tethered 
their ponies, sat down upon a grassy knoll beneath a shading tree, and 
talked on. The sun went down the western slopes — and still they talked. 

Belonging to history as these men do it is desirable to know their charac- 
ters and manners, as far as possible, and it is not difficult to imagine the 
picture and note the contrast — a contrast in which neither suffered. 

Leland, clad in his home-spun suit; Madison, dressed as courtiers dressed, 
but with no thought of that on the part of either as they eagerly discussed 
the vital points in the issue at hand, until just as the sun went down Le- 
land sprang to his feet, extending his hand to Madison, exclaiming: 

''You have convinced me at last, you are right; I'll vote for you." 

"Then,'' said Madison, shaking eagerly the proffered hand, ''I'm 
elected." 

There was no need to look further after John Leland and his followers. 
When election day came around they surrounded the polls in a throng and 
Madison's party won the contest. 

It was while living in Virginia that Mrs. Leland was subjected to the 
greatest hardships of her life. Located in a country infested with tories, 
whose occupation was devastating towns, plundering houses and taking for 
their victims defenseless women and unprotected children, in the little 
house by the roadside Mrs. Leland dare not burn a light that would stream 
out over the moor and highway, thus attracting these unwelcome marauders 
to her door; still, it was at night, Avhen the duties of the day were ended 
and the children in bed, that she must take the necessary stitches for her 
family, and reel the yarn she spun yesterday. So by a low fire, with win- 
dows muffled, keyholes stuffed, and heart whose beatings she could almost 



18S HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

hear in tlie stillness^, she worked for many an hour while her husband was 
about his Master's work. 

One afternoon of the Virginia fall-time, when the preacher was preparing 
to leave home on a long trip, he was startled by hearing a peculiar noise 
that proceeded apparently from a side of the room where the chimney was 
built. While it was an unfamiliar sound it resembled somewhat the buzz- 
ing of an immense fly or bee in distress. Search was made at once; every 
spot examined where by any possibility an insect could be confined. The 
noise gradually subsided and but little more was thought concerning the 
matter. The following day Elder Leland was off on his journey, and to him 
the thought of it never occurred during his absence of six weeks. Not so 
with his wife. The succeeding day, as four o'clock approached, the buzz- 
ing began louder than on the day before. Energetic and determined she 
made another search, but in vain, and each day the visitant came, a few 
moments later than on the preceding one, increasing in power and 
volume until in place of buzzing the sounds were groans, piercing and truly 
terriffic. 

It is not difficult to imagine the intense nervous excitement that must 
have been the result of such an experience, daily rej^eated, or the dread that 
must have filled the mind of that lonely mother, as the pendulum in the tall 
clock swung on and on toward the midnight hour, and they waited breath- 
lessly until the solemn strokes tolled out through the gloom, then the 
children, in terror, exclaimed: "Oh! the groaner's coming," and, burying 
their faces in her lap, winding her apron around them, clinging to her, 
they remained while groan after groan sounded in their ears. 

During that six weeks the clock must have ticked off the hours for this 
woman in a menacing way; the winds must sometimes have blown through 
the trees while she waited for the guest, scarcely less welcome than Brit- 
ain's soldiers, and the storm at times beating mercilessly on the roof, but the 
unwelcome comer never failed, and when the six weeks were ended, it had, 
by coming some five minutes later every night, reached somewhere about 
half past twelve. Mrs. Leland cautioned all who knew the tale (for many 
had been to the house from curiosity, but none had lingered) to say nothing 
to the minister when he arrived, for she wished to see what impression it 
would make upon him, and, without any warning or word of preparation, 
the unearthly noise fell upon his ears. He started up in amazement, in- 
quiring if that had been repeated every night of his absence. 

Its usual stay was about ten minutes, and for eight months it made its 
visits, baffling every effort to fathom the mystery. As often as an investi- 
gation was made at the spot from whence it proceeded, with a view of ascer- 
taining if anything was fastened there, it would pass to some other point. 



SKETCH OF JOIIN^ LELA.XD. 189 

Atlengtli, one night at the end of eight months, Leland tried the effects 
of jDrtiyer. Kneeling with his family aronnd him he prayed that if this 
messenger were a spirit of good he might be emboldened to speak to it, that 
it might make known its errand and depart; but if an evil spirit, that God 
would in his mercy bid it to leave and trouble them no more forever. As 
the words of prayer fell upon the ear they were mingled with the groans 
and shrieks of the visitor which grew in strength and voice until at the con- 
clusion of Leland's petition, as though in direct answer to it, with one last 
expiring groan it died away never to return. 

This tale, as told by John Leland, is never doubted by any who knew 
him. His powers of mimicry and imitation were very wonderful, and, says 
one, "I had often wished to hear this account from the lips of Leland him- 
self, and one evening I told him my desire. He consented to repeat the 
circumstance provided I would promise not to be frightened. Sitting in a 
room all aflame with light and cheery brightness, a circle of friends about 
me, I readily made the promise. Looking at the narrator, listening to 
his words, knowing that he would imitate the noise ; when at length it fell 
upon my ear, although so well prepared for it, so wierd, so terrifific, so unlike 
any earthly groan was it, that I sprang to my feet, trembling with terror.-" 

" Ha ! Ha ! " laughed the old man, " I thought you were not going to be 
afraid." 

When, upon one occasion. Elder Leland was traveling and preaching he 
sent his appointments on in advance: 

" One week from Wednesday, Providence permitting, John Leland will 
be present Avith the people of Eye and improve from their church pulpit.'' 

After this style the announcements usually were worded, and notice 
would be extended through the vicinity, with crowded houses as the usual 
result. 

It so happened that he reached Eye (a small hamlet) just at close of the 
day preceding that of the appointment. He had ridden far on horseback, 
the day was hot and dusty, so, travel-soiled and weary, he halted at the gate 
of a substantial farmhouse only a stone's throw away from the meeting- 
house, and where he had been told he was expected. He alighted from his 
jaded horse and, approaching the door, inquired if they could accommodate 
a traveler. 

After a scrutinizing look and an exchange of glances between the 
farmer and his wife, who had both stepped to the door on hearing his appli- 
cation, the farmer replied: 

f^Why— no— I don't think we can keep you. The fact is we've agreed 
to take the Great John Leland for two or three days. We can't tell how 
many there'll be with him." 



190 HISTORY Olf CSESHIKE. 

The dusty traveler told the man of the house that his wants would be 
very few — a corner in the kitchen, a lunch on the kitchen table, with abed 
thrown down anywhere (in the servants' room), would do for him, and on 
these conditions he was allowed to stay. 

By the kitchen table he ate his frugal supper, while the table in an ad- 
joining room was loaded with the savory viands prepared for the. expected 
guest. Servants ran back and forth in haste as the preparations advanced, 
and to the humble traveler, sitting quietly on a bench by the door, came 
the fragrant odors from the cooking meats and pies and puddings. 

Night came, the evening wore on, and still the Great Leland did not ap- 
pear. At the hour of the appointment, next morning, the church was 
thronged, and the feelings of the farmer and his wife can, perhaps, be 
partially imagined when they beheld the man who had slept in their shed 
chamber and dined haphazard with their servants, enter the pulj^it, and 
were informed that the great preacher was before them. 

Leland's fine intellect, his master power to hold spell-bound those with 
whom he conversed, commanded for him a jjrominent place in whatever 
circle he was thrown. He was naturally shy and shrunk always from meet- 
ing the great men of his day; but when once in their society he forgot the 
feeling as he became interested in the topics discussed, and, launched on the 
tide, the words flowed on and on, drawing all around the simple, plainly 
dressed old man. 

Martin Van Buren, Marcus Morton and many another man who occupied 
places of trust and position has left the main route of travel at Pittsfield or 
Adams and, taking private carriage, has driven over the hills to seek out the 
humble home of this man, and spend a few hours with its master, thus do- 
ing homage to his genius. His last home, and that longest associated with 
his name was the low red house upon the western hills beyond the Kitchen. 

He wrote his own epitaph, and in the village cemetery, upon a shaft of 
blue marble which is placed where the driveway sweeps around the great 
circle, it is engraved : 

"Here lies the body of John Leland, who labored sixty-eight years to promote 
piety, and vindicate the civil and religious rights of all men." 

There lies the venerable dust, and there, even now, the reverential 
tear is dropped by his admirers. It is hard to picture what that day 
meant to the people of this village when the news came that Leland lay 
dead, in a neighboring town. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Chapman, with whom 
he had made his home, received a message from him of his illness and hast- 
ened to his side. 

One child alone was permitted to stand by his dying bed, all others were 
so widely scattered there was no time to gather them. His thoughts 



SKETCH OF .lOHN LELAND. 191 

fondly lingered with the wife of his youth and his age, who liad ever before 
been Avith him in days of sickness. He seemed conscious from the first 
attack that he should never recover, and with a sense of perfect trust he 
awaited the summons. 

On the 14th of January, 1841, he fell asleep. They carried him back in 
the teeth of a winter storm; the desolate, frozen fields, the leaden skies, were 
fit emblems of the desolation that settled over the thousands of hearts made 
sad by his departure. 

There are no perfect men, and no one claims perfection for John Leland. 
To err is only human, and this wise patriot, tender friend and eloquent 
preacher of the Word, made mistakes, no doubt; but he still lives in tlu; 
affections of the people here, and the influence he exerted in this town will 
never be lost. This influence has followed him through the passing gener- 
ations; it will continue to follow him through those to come, widening and 
increasing until in that last final day he will meet thousands of his spiritual 
children on the plains above. 



APPENDIX. 

A CHAPTER OF KEFEKENCE. 

The farms outlying the village of Cheshire have been mentioned in connection with 
various events that have been narrated on these pages; in this closing chapter a part- 
ing glance is taken, and the farms with their present occupants noticed, as such 
notice •will serve as a reference, and may prove of interest when the great chro- 
nometer of time shall count off another quarter, or half a century. 

Approaching the village from the southern line of the town, the lirst farm passed 
is the one bought by Samuel Whipple of Dr. Lyons, and paid for in colonial currency. 
It is owned by Martin W. Ingalls, and managed by his son George. Xew buildings 
have been erected upon it, and it is under fine cultivation. 

On a side road, over the hill, is the Coman farm owned by James Wells. This place 
is well watered, and timbered, with an abundance of fruit, apples, pears and grapes. 
Grain and grass are grown, sheep-raising made a specialty. No dairy is kept. 

On the hill, off from the main road, is the farm owned formerly by Perry Whipple, 
who succeeded his father, Samuel Whipple, upon it. It is now owned by Brough, 
w^ho lives there and manages it himself. 

The Ora Clark place was purchased more than forty years ago by David Miller, 
who bought it in 1840 of William Cole and James Cole. March, 1844, he sold it to 
Robert G. Miller. In 1847 Robert G. Miller sold to Samuel Smith the quartz and sand 
found upon the farm. Smith in turn disposed of it to the Berkshire Glass Company, 
and the farm is now owned by Patrick Murphy. 

The farm where H. J. Ingalls resided so long is owned by Elisha Piince, a success- 
ful farmer. There are 340 acres of surface, upon it is a sand bed. Grass and grain 
are produced, and an extensive dairy kejit. 

The land of George Fisher, just off from the main road, numbers 271 acres. It is a 
dairy farm, and has been occupied by the present owner more than thirty years. The 
milk from these dairies is taken to the cheese factory at the village of Cheshire. As 
has been noted, this last farm shows deposits of gold and silver; but the strata and 
general formation do not belong to that class w^here veins of precious metal are us- 
ually found in sufficient quantity to warrant much outlay in mining, according to the 
theory of some scientific men. 

Upon the summit of the hill leading up from Muddy Brook lies the farm formerly 
owned by John M. Bliss, Sr. Here, in 1874, the Farnum Brothers came, and entered 
upon the business of lime burning, which has grown into one of the prosperous in- 
dustries of the town, employing twenty men or more, upon their works, and afford- 
ing business for others, in the barrels used for shipping their lime. A railroad liag- 
station has been established, where freight is taken on and passengers accommodated. 

A little distance from this farm, toward the south and on the opposite side of the 
highway, was the farm w^here Nathaniel Bliss settled in the early times, a little knoll, 
hard by the gi-ave yard now seen there, marks the site of the farm-house in which he 
lived. This land is now merged into that owned by the family of Ira Jenks, the 
house has long since crumbled away, only a slight depression in the ground shows 



194 HISTOEY OF CHESHIRE. 

the cellar, and a few shrubs aud bushes tell where the kitchen jrardcn flourished. 
Later, Orrin, son of Nathaniel Bliss, lived upon the farm where now P. B. Chadwick 
resides. This is the southernmost farm referred to by James Barker, and to which 
he sent some stock by his eldest sou prior to his own start for Berkshire in May, 1773. 

Next are the Curtis places, father and son. M. L. Curtis lives upon what is known 
to the present towns-people as the Lewis Walker farm. This place is beautifully lo- 
cated, and is one of the flourishing farms of the town. 

The neat and pretty place occupied and owned to-day by Mrs. Roselle Lane and her 
son, Henry Lane, is the Clark farm, which has for long years been retained by the 
family of its original owner, and is still in possession of the direct descendants of Mr. 
Clark. 

The Southworth farm, with the same house that was first built still standing, is 
owned by the sons of Nathaniel Bliss, Jr., and is rented to Edward Purtle. Granville, 
Clinton, and Milton Bliss occupy the homestead, and not only own the original farm, 
but have enlarged their borders on all sides of them, taking in a farm here, a ten- 
acre lot there, a wood land upon some adjoining hillside, gaining and increasing 
always — always known as growing, thriving farmers. They keep a dairy, make butter, 
and cut grass and grain. 

The farm upon which stands the red house, just beyond the village at the south — 
the house erected by Squire Ezi-a Barker, and where he lived at the time of his death, 
in 1818, is still a fine farm of 592 acres, woodland, meadow, and pasture. It is owned 
by Thomas Collins. 

The place known as the Wescott farm, afterwards owned by Hiram Martin, is in 
possession now of James Dalton. When the reservoir was laid out this farm was 
materially interfered with. The house was torn down and the water flooded the 
home meadow and garden, the road was rebuilt, and upon the east side of it, farther 
to the north, James Dalton built his house. 

The L. H. Brown place is a beautifully located farm, the land lies on the borders 
of the village, consists of level river flats, with sloping foothills, and some timber 
land. It is good grass land, raises grain, and has produced good crops of tobacco 
and hops. It is still owned by the heirs of L. H. Brown, and is managed by tenants, 
or rented to different parties. 

On the extreme western hill-top, overlooking the village, and clearly visible from it, is 
the farmhouse of Hezekiah Mason. Standing on the village street as the sun goes 
down, looking up the mountain road to the very top, the great house rises, the rays 
of the sun reflected upon its windows flash and sparkle like diamonds. This farm 
fell in the succession from Hezekiah to Avery Mason and to the children of the latter. 

To a descendant of Hezekiah Mason the fickle goddess, Fortune, has been very 
lavish, and among the petroleum bubbles she has found one that, breaking at her feet, 
has left, as substantial evidence of Fortune's favor, riches, diamonds, and a superb 
elegance that contrasts strangely with the mountain farm house. On this farm now 
lives Larry Curran. 

The Allan Fish farm was a noted one in the years gone by. In 1884 it was sold to 
Mr. Linden, who lives on the Round's place, the house like many another being left 
unoccupied. 

To Mrs. Matthew Dooly belongs the Dickens Wescott farm. To J. St. John the old 
Vincent home, and to B. Clancey that of C. Cole. These mountain farms are not 
kept at the point they had attained a quarter of a century ago when money was made 
in sufticient quantities to do well by large families. 



APPENDIX. 195 

Samuel Baker bought, in the spring of 1SS4, the Alason Wood place located on the 
hill beyond the kitchen. 

Following' down this hill we come next to the farm known as the "Xeddy Farm," 
and owned for years by David Cole and later by liis son C. D. Cole. 

Just beyond the Baker, and opposite from the Elder Leland place, is the home of 
Lyman Mason, ji'randson of Hezekiah. Here he has lived for many years, and is one 
of the few descendants of Hezekiah Mason who are left in this vicinity. 

Approaching the Kitchen from the east is the home of Thomas Cropper who has 
carried on the business of a butcher since 1865, having a shop at Maple Grove. This 
man followed Farnum & Leach in the trade and is one of the oldest dealers in this line. 

The farms owned by Xathan and Daniel Wood on the western hill have always re- 
mained in the possession of their descendants. In one, Mrs. Daniel Wood lives in a 
pretty, modein home. The other is owned by Mrs. Arvin Wood, both ladies being 
widows of direct descendants of the first owners. The latter i^lace is managed by 
George Northup. (In 1884. ) 

That of the father of Stephen Ingalls and to which place the latter was taken when 
only a boy, is owned and occuj^ied by David Ingalls, youngest son of Stephen. 

In this neighborhood called '' Thunder," lies the small farm owned by Elder John 
Leland. The house in which he lived until the death of his wife still stands in good 
condition, it is owned by Miss Desire Mason and is rented. The farm owned by 
Stephen Northup who cleared the land, now belongs to Farnum Brothers and is oc- 
cupied by E. Halpin. 

At the top of the hill leading from the Kitchen is the quaint, brown house where 
Tollman Whitmarsh lived of yore, and where he loved to gather around his forge the 
prisoners of 1812 and listen to their tales of "Merrie England," and "Life on the 
Rolls " in America. Calvin Ingalls is its owner and resident now. 

Advancing up the now grassy, but once busy. Pork Lane, on the brow of the hill, 
is standing the house where Jesse Mason lived in Revolutionary days, from which 
he went forth to join the forces of Stark at Bennington, and where he sheltered the 
frightened men after the collapse of Shay's rebellion. Both house and land are well 
kept, the deep well with its iron bound bucket, and mossy sides is seen in the side yard. A 
great barn with modern arrangements has taken the place of the old barns and milking 
sheds. The apple trees grow in the stone-walled field, the narrow foot lane leads down to 
the half-acre lot and the brook beyond. The cows browse in the fields and in the 
pasture by day and come up to the milking-yard at the setting of the sun. Every- 
thing has an air of thrift and prosperity under the suiiervision of Mr. Leroy 
Northup. 

Next in order is the farm where Simon Wood lived in the long ago. When Pork 
Lane was a gay thoroughfare this home was among the brightest, made so by a large 
family of young people who drew the youth of the neighborhood around them and 
caused the low rooms to resound with mirth and song. Lyman Northup, father of 
J. G. Northup, town clerk of Cheshire, was the successor of Mr, Woods, and later 
the farm fell by purchase to Morris Carroll its present proprietor. 

On the opposite side of the lane farther to the north is the farm of the Brown's. 
Richmond Brown being the last one of the name who lived upon it. It was bought 
by Jerome Sweet, sou of Elder Elnathan Sweet, and is now in the hands of Eugene 
Phillips and his wife Laura Sweet Phillips. This is not a large farm but is in fine 
preservation, and the house kept in perfect repair is one of the model homes that 
every one loves to visit. There is no cheese dairy kept upon it, but the finest butter 



196 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

in the market is made there; the com^s are Jerseys, mingled with other breeds, noted 
for good butter. Fowls are kept with great attention, grass is cut and grain raised. 

Following this is the Caleb Brown land where the wolves, skulking down from 
the near mountain sides, heavily timbered then to the very tops, carried off the calves 
and lambs if they were not carefully fastened within the fold at the approach of night. 
Captain C. J. Eeynolds owns and lives upon this farm. He is a retired sea captain 
who has resided here for the last twenty years. His wife is a great-gi\and-daughter 
of Valentine Bo wen the first ty thing-man of the settlement. Alonzo Chase occupies 
the next house beyond; the land is largely mountain and wood lot, and was the 
Roswell Mason farm. 

Next is the farm owned and occupied by George Carpenter, from whose door-stone 
a magnificent view of mountains and valley delights the eye. 

Just at the junction of the old and the new roads, are the Cole farms. Israel Cole, 
the pioneer, settled first, close by Stephen Northup. He built his log house, cleared 
a spot of level land and put in his crops. The first growth of corn was unusually fine. 
He watched it with deepest interest as it tasselled and ripened beneath the September 
sunshine, for it meant a great deal to the settler to have a fine crop of corn when 
winter came. 

One day he received a call from an acquaintance who had cast his lot on Pork Lane. 
The man was cross and dissatisfied, expressed himself as vexed for having settled 
there, and at length confessed that he could not agree with his neighbor next door; 
said that he annoyed him, trespassed upon and quarrelled with him. At last he de- 
clared that the object of his visit was to ask Israel Cole to exchange farms. Mr. Cole 
hesitated. The land on Pork Lane was quite as good as his own, he thought. The 
location was superior, he knew, for the lane had turned out a very popular street, the 
number of acres were the same, there was little choice in the buildings; but there was 
the noble field of corn that he had watched with such delight — how could he sacrifice 
that ? The two men talked it over, again and again, and finally quite unable to reach 
an intelligent decision, Mr. Cole sought his wife and asked her opinion. The little 
woman stojiped her work, and listened with attention to the story of the proposed 
change. She saw at once the advantage it would be to live on a thickly settled road, 
near to the best families the settlement afforded, and the moment her husband had 
finished the narration she exclaimed with enthusiasm: 

" La, Mr. Cole, don't let one crop of corn stand in the way of such a chance. Settle 
the question before the foolish man is sick of his bargain." 

This ended the matter. The arrangements were made, the families moved, and three 
days later the proposer of the trade would have thrown in a big bonus could he have 
had back the Pork Lane property. The place where Israel Cole first moved was in 
the hollow beyond George Carpenter's present domicile. Afterwards he purchased 
the farm "which was owned by James Cole, his son, at a later date. Upon the 
death of the latter it fell to Dexter. Part of the farm was sold by him. The house 
on the original farm is occupied by the widow of Mortimer Cole, son of Dexter. A 
new house has been erected on the main road and is owned by E. Phelps, son-in- 
law of Mortimer Cole. 

The farm known as the Deacon Carpenter farm where he settled Avhen that section 
was yet New Providence, is on the road to Adams, a road which was the only way to 
reach that town for many years. This has always been among the best farms and its 
successive owners have made themselves comfortable fortunes there. Levi Mason 
dying in 1841, left some $30,000, made and laid away while on this farm, and was con- 



APPENDIX. 197 

sidered a very rich man. Alonzo Mason great-srandson of Ilezckiali, is its present 
owner, and has put up, recently, fine buildin<fs. 

Cheshire Harbor is a manufacturinc; hamlet located amon<j the hills and where the 
valley narrows. A cotton factory owned by Elisha Jenks has lonj,' been in successful 
operation at this point, throuoh the management of Mr Jenks until his death. Since 
that time under the ownership and oversight of the Adams Brothers, manufacturinjr 
men of Maple Grove. 

The farm purchased early in the century by Ephraim Farrinj^^ton, tlien l)y Zeliedee 
Dean, and having only these two owners until the death of Mr. Dean, is now (nvned 
by Thomas Trest, who came to Cheshire from Tennessee in 1870. 

The splendid place of Ira Richardson is owned now by C. K. Lamphear, who 
bought it of the Pdchardson family. Jonathan Eichardson built the house on the 
farm owned for many years by Silas Cole, or his heirs. Mr. Albertson Cole re- 
sides there now. He pays much attention to vegetable gardening, and carries eaily 
plants, small fruits, and vegetables to market. 

The Medad King farm and house upon it, which was the early inn, is owned by Mrs. 
Barbara Martin. The steep roofed house built in 1708, is still in good preservation, 
but is unoccupied at present. Anew, and exceedingly tasty house has been put up 
by Mrs. Martin, on a grassy knoll across the street near where the few tall elms stand, 
that are left of tlie many that threw their shade across the grass plat and ancient " 
stoop, that day when the gun sounded its call for Bennington. 

At the extreme eastern portion of the town is the farm of Martin Cole, and north- 
erly on the same road is that of Stewart White, which he inherited from Daniel Keid, 
his great uncle, to whom reference has frequently been made in the earlier decades. 
Mr. White is a native of the Hill, and thoroughly posted on its history. 

The great house on the glebe land is in charge of its agent, Shubal W. Lincoln, and 
is rented to E. Wood. On the Dr. Cushing place, George W. Perkins has lived 
as tenant for twenty-five years. 

The old Stafford property on the brow of the hill, extended on both sides of the higli- 
way, the dwelling house of Frank Prince is on the western side. 

S. W. Lincoln owns two farms in the vicinity; but lives at the one where was for- 
merly the hotel on the old stage route. 

Philo Leonard owns the Charles Bliss farm. Just below this place is a sand bed and 
saw mill, owned by E. F. Adams. Over the field from the site of the old meeting house 
on the Hill, lives Albert Wells, teacher of the school at Pumpkin Hook, and with 
him that noted individual, "the oldest inhabitant," Mrs. Field, who counts her ninety- 
fifth year, with active mind and good memory. The largest part of this life that 
began in the last centviry, has been spent upon this spot, and, probably, no person 
knows more of the past and present of Xew Providence settlement than does Mrs.Field. 
Well on to the northeastern limit of the town is the land cleared by Deacon Jona- 
than Pdchardson, when he first came through the Avoods from Xewton. Mr. John 
Burt owned it for many successive years. It is now owned by H. F. Wood. 

Warner Farnum was a substantial farmer on the southern declivity of Stafford's Hill, 
and to his descendants the land still belongs. Ira Curtis living upon it as a tenant. 

Jackson Farnum, son of Warner, owns a farm in the vicinity, upon which James 

Keily lives, and a part of the old David Bowen farm just beyond, or adjoining the 

Jacques place. Mr. J. Farnum bought a place on Richmond street in lS7o, where he 

has lived since. 

On the farm near the Cheese factory at Pumpkin Hook, is the pleasant home of 



198 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Scott Jeiiks, son of Harvy Jeuks. The factory is a large, commodious building, the 
pink of neatness in every quarter. At a little distance from it, on one side, is the 
home of S. L. Lincoln, on the other is that of W. F. Card. The latter farm contains 
170 acres and is beautifully located. 

At the old Sayles homestead, just beyond the school house, lives Mrs. Alanson 
Wood, and her son John Wood. Mrs. Wood is a direct descendant of the first Sayles 
that settled at Stafford's Hill, and has spent her life there. 

The Edmonds farm, now belonging to David Richmond's heirs, is situated on the 
slope of the hill toward the south, and was a flourishing farm in the early times. Mr. 
Edmonds lived there for many years, and reared a large family. The sons were 
among the substantial men of the town, twenty-five years' ago, but are mostly gone 
from the old places, but few of the descendants remaining in this neighborhood. 
Thomas Edmonds formerly owned the farm belonging to the heirs of George Martin 
and James Shay. 

The land of Charles Jenks, is pleasantly located on the main road, and his dwelling 
house stands in a delightful spot, a crystal brook flows by on one side, crossed by a 
rustic bridge, and great trees shade it on the other. Charles Jenks. Sr., settled in 
Adams as early as 1787. 

Coming down the road from Stafford's, the farm of Daniel Chapman lies at the 
right. It has passed fr^m the jiossession of the family. Thomas Corliss is its owner 
now. Stephen and Mason Chapman, sons of Daniel Chapman, are among the farm- 
ers who have bought residences in the village, and are active citizens. 

Along this road the views are beautiful and romantic ; at the east and south is a 
ridge of towering rocks, with scraggy bushes, and gnarled trees growing from the 
seams and crevices all up and down their surface. These are called Whitford Eocks, 
a name given, no doubt, from the name of an earlj'' settler who owned property there, 
Peleg Whitford. Tradition tells a tragic tale of his deaih, by a fall from their steep, 
rough summit to the crags below. Some believed the fatal leap was taken by him- 
self. Advancing along this high, narrow road that winds along the ridge of land, 
suddenly is opened to view a plain, asleveland smooth as art could make it, notarock, 
a stone, or a tree is upon it, the thick grass of many year's growth covers the whole 
area and presents its enchanting green to the eye. At this point we find the Bennet 
farm, occupied to-daj% by descendants of the first John Bennet, who bought this 
land of Daniel Brown. The swelling hills, gentle slopes, and rounded views, are just 
the same as when his eye first rested upon them, and his children show their wisdom 
in retaining the soil of their ancestors ; for it is fertile, under good cultivation, and 
presents so many prosyjects upon which the eye loves to linger. 

Taking a more northerly road fi'om Stafford's hill; driving past the old church site, 
the ancient grave-yard with its simple inclosure; by the farms of Martin Jenks, and 
the one first cleared by John Wells, now owned by Jesse A. Jenks, the valley may be 
reached at the little hamlet of Maple Grove. 

The house is still standing upon the farm of Mr. Jenks, in which Major Low lived, 
and kept the slaves Tony, Violet, and Mary Diamond. Mr. Jenks is an enterprising 
man, and has lately put the buildings in good repair; however, there ai*e many land- 
marks that point to the day and times when Major Low walked the fields, and 
crossed over to the meeting-house on Sunday mornings, where he was wont to wor- 
ship with his neighbors. This Mr. Jenks, the present owner, is a i^rominent towns- 
man, and carried on at one time a cheese factory, which was finally burned down and 
not rebuilt. 



APPENDIX. 109 

The next oldest farm — or a contemporaneous one — is passed on this rond. Joseph 
Bennet, who was its owner for some years after excliangin^? with John Wells, left no 
descendants in town, the farm was disposed of, and for successive years was known 
as the " Nick Bri)wn place." 

Turning from the high land to descend into the Hoosac Valley, the beautiful farm 
of Russel Harrington is passed. He sold his home in Adams to the Hoosac Tunnel 
company in the first days of that mammoth enterprise, and since that time has 
resided upon this spot, which is a fine dairy farm, pleasantly situated ami produc- 
tive. It is the same that the first John "Wells gave to his daughter upon her maniage 
to Zephaniah Buffington as a bridal present. The pioneer had added gradually to 
his possessions that he carried fi'om Warwick on horseback, and by the time his sons 
and daughters Avere grown he had verified the prediction of Tibbits when he returned 
to Rhode Island, as noted in our introductory chapter. 

This place which was one of the early settled ones is a desirable location to-day, 
lying in the immediate vicinity of Adams, a busy, thriving village; it is near a good 
market, and while the land presents to the eye an uneven surface, with swells and 
rolling hills, it is all under good cultivation. Mr. Harrington has a large family of 
boys reared as practical farmers. Lying next to this place is that which was settled 
by the Braytons in early days, partly in Adams, and partly in the, then, New Prov- 
idence Grant. It has been known for many years as the Spencer Edmonds' farm. 
. The village of Cheshire has gained incomparably l)y the additions it has received 
from time to time of those who have come within its limits to make their permanent 
homes, but while it has reaped so great a benefit the town has been a loser. Many of 
the houses along the higher mountain roads are deserted, some have been empty and 
neglected from year to year until, finally, they have tumbled down, and were it not for 
the foreign element which has, in a measure, come to the rescue, many more of these 
wind swept farms would be deserted, and left forlorn and untenanted as when first 
seen by the pioneers. 

Compared with the boundless prairies of the west, they are not the places to live, 
if one is compelled to wrench his fortune from the rugged fields; but the Fi-ench and 
Irish peasantry, who have flocked to Berkshire in far greater numbers than any other 
nationalities, with their more simple tastes, and fewer wants, are able to secure a 
sustenance for themselves and theirs. 



NAMES OF PIONEERS 



WHO TOOK UP LAND IN THE NEW SETTLEMENTS. 



Nicholas Cooke — Providence, K. I., June 28, 17()5, one half of certain land contain- 
ing in all 117G acres, lying north and adjoining New Framinoham. 

Joseph Bennet — Coventi-y, R. L, June 28, 1765, one half of certain tract containing 
in all 117(5 acres, lying north and adjoining New Framingham. 

Nicholas Cooke — Providence, P. I., June 26, 1766 ; Joseph Bennet — Coventry. E. 
I., June 26, 1766. To each one of them one half part of 3740 acres and 14 perches 
laying northerly and adjoining Lanesborough partly and partly on No. 4, excepting 
land 1176 acres now owned by them. 

Joab Stafford — Coventry, R. I., November 5, 1766, 3 several tracts lying between 
East Hoosuck and Williamsburg. Lot No. 5, 200 acres; lot No. 17, 100 acres; lot No. 
22, 96 acres and are parts of a certain tract conveyed to us by Aaron Witherell. 

John Bucklin — Coventry, R. L, November 6, 1766, one tract of 200 aci'es lying be- 
tween East Hoosuck and Williamsburg, and is lot No. 1. 

Nathaniel Jacobs — Providence, R. I., November 6, 1766, 4 several tracts lying be- 
tween East Hoosuck and Williamsburg. Lot No. 7, 237 acres; lot No. 10, 110 acres; 
lot No. 11, (^(} acres; Lot No. 2-5, 12.5 aci-es. 

Sanruel Low — Providence, R. I., November 6, 1766, 3 several lots lying between East 
Hoosuck and Williamsburg, thi-ee-quarter parts of lot No. 4, containing in all 200 
acres, which is 150 acres, the other one-quarter being setoff to bo appropriated for a 
meeting house, also lot 27, 111 acres; lot 28, 108 acres. 

Simeon Smith — Providence, E. I., November 6, 1766, two lots lying between East 
Hoosuck and Williamsburg. Lot No. 17, 100 acres, and is the westernmost half of 
lot No. 3. 

Jabez Pierce — Providence, R. I., November 6, 1766, 3 several lots lying between East 
Hoosuck and Williamsburg. Lot No. 2, 200 acres; lot No. 12, 102 acres; lot No. 20, 
100 acres. 

Nicholas Cook — Providence, R. L, November 6, 1766. 

Joseph Bennet — Coventry, R. I., division of lands in Massachusetts. Land in 
No. 4, alias Williamsburg and in lot 121, second division, 100 acres. 

John Wells — Cranston, R. L, May 17, 1768. Land in No. 4, alias Williamsburg, lot 
116 in second division. 

Nicholas Cook — Providence, R. I., June 25, 1768. Land in New Providence and in 
part of lot No. 6, 100 acres about. 

Henry Tiltbits — Warwick, R. L, July 15, 1768. Land in No. 4, alias Williamsburg and 
in lot 120, sc.cond division. 

Nathan Comstock — Cumberland, R. I., September 20, 1768. 

Ichabod Comstock — Cumberland, R. I. Land in East Hoosuck and is lot 5 in pro- 
prietor's division. 

Elisha Brown— Warwick, R. L, Oct. 6, 1768. Lot No. 46, second division, North 
Range in Lanesborough. 



XAMES OF PIONEERS. ' 201 

Stephen Carpenter— I'rovidciice, R. I., February 8, ITOK. Land in New Providence 
and contains 115 acres. 

Daniel Brown— Warwick, R. I., IVIarcli 1, 17(59. Land in Lanesborougli, lot No. 4.j 
supposed to be second division. 

Zebadiah Shepardson— Providence, P. L, April 11, 1769. Land lying between East 
lloosuck and Williamsburg and is lot No. 110, 100 acres. 

Daniel Bennett— Scituate, R. I., April 22, 1709. Land in No. 4, alias Williamsburg. 
Lots in No. 20 and 102 containing 100 acres. 

John Tibl)its— Warwick, R. L, April 24, 1709. Land in Lanesborough, North lot No. 
70, second division, except two pieces containing 24 acres part of North lot also part 
of East lot in second division containing 20 acres. 

Hczekiah Hammond — Scituate, P. I., April 20, 1709. Part or 218 acres. 

Nicholas Cooke — Providence, E. L, June 21, 1769. 

Joseph Bennett — Discharged. New Providence, County of Berkshire. Land in 
New Providence. 

Edmund Jencks— Smithfield, E. I., July 26, 1769. 

Jesse Jenks — Cumberland, R. I. Land in East Hoosuck,'No. 2, .3 and 4, in tlie west 
range of settling lots. 

Nicholas Cooke — Providence R. I., September 10, 1709, Land in New Providence. 
Lot No. 12, 102 acres. Lot No. 20, 100 acres. 

Ichabod Comstock — Smithfield, R. I., October 31, 1769. Land in East Hoosuck and 
is i)art of lot No. 4. 

Peleg Whitford — West Greenwich, R. I., December 15, 1769. Land in No. 4 alias 
Williamsburg being lot No. 115 in the second divison containing in all 100 acres. 

Henry Bowen — Warrowier, R. I., December 27, 1709. Laud lying between Westlield 
and Sheiiield. 000 acres by estimation. 

Daniel Goshen — West Greenwich, R. L, April 2, 1770. Land in Jerico. Part of lot No. 4. 

Samuel Carew — Providence, E. I., May 14, 1770. Land in New Providence. Lot No. 
12, 102 acres; No. 13, 103 acres, and No. 4, 105 acres. 

Andrew Edmunds — Warwick, R. 1., May 14, 1770. Land in No. 4 alias Williamsburg. 
LbtNo. Ill in the second division. 100 acres. 

Benjamin Roberts — Warwick, R. L, August 2, 1770. Land in New Providence. Lot 
No. 18, 100 acres. / 

Eleazer Brown — Smithfield, R. L, August 16; 1770. Land in East Hoosuck. Part 
of lot No. 4, containing 105 acres. 

Joshua Reed — Scituate, R. L, August 31, 1770. Land lying between East Hoosuck 
and Williamsburg. Lot No. 10, 110 acres; Lot No. 11, 65 acres". 

Timothy INfason — Cumberland, R. I., September 1, 1770. Land in No. 4 alias Wil- 
liamsburg. Lot No. 120 in second division. 854 acres. 

Robert Car— West Greenwich, R. I., October 29, 1770. Land in Jerico. Part of 14th 
lot. 100 acres. 

Elisha Brown — Warwick, E. I., Nov. 13, 1770. Two tracts lying. in Williamsburg, 
Lot No. 117 in the East division. 100 acres. Also the west end of lot 111, in the sec^ 
ond division 30 acres. 

Moses Fisk — Scituate, E. L, Nov. 28, 1770. Land on the Mountain Grant. 155 acres. 

Job Salisburj' — Cranston, R. I., November 28, 1770. Land on the Mountain Grant, 
Goodrich Grant. 104 acres. 

Zephaniah Keech — Glocester, R. I., December 4, 1770. Land in No. 4 alias Williams^ 
burg. Lot No. 31 in second division and contains 100 acres. 



202 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Jeremiah Smith the third — Smithfiekl. March 23d, 1771. Land in East Hoosuck 
and in lot 11 in the second division. 

Nicholas Cooke— Providence, E. I., June 11, 1771. Land in New Providence. Part 
of lot No. 6. 65 acres. 

WilUam Lewis — Richmond, R. I., July 18, 1771. Land lyinsc north and adjoining Lanes- 
borough. Lot, No. 5, and pait of lot No. 8, in the division of Col. Dwight's grant. 

Abeathar Angel — Scituate, R. L, September 3, 1771. Land in Lanesborough, be- 
ing a part of the Easternmost lot No. 63 in the second division. 

Samuel Hopkins — Newport, R. I., October 28, 1771. Land in Creat Barrington be- 
ing part of lot No. 5, in the west division of lots. 

Elias Gilbert — Newport, R. L, Oct. 27, 1771. Land in Great Barrington, and is 
shown on purchase 50, called 16 acres. 

Daniel Coman — North Providence, Co. of Providence, November 28, 1771. Land in 
Lanesborough, lot No. 18 in first division. 

Charles Arnold — Smithfield, R. I., December 18, 1771. Land in East Hoosuck 
being lot No. 6 in east range, 100 acres. 

Elisha Brown — Warwick, R. I., Dec. 10, 1771. Land in Lanesborough. "All my lands 
that I had or ever had that is all my rights, &c." 

Nicholas Cook — Providence, R. I., January 16, 1772. Land in New Providence. Lot 
No. 16. 

David Hopkins — probably of Newport, R. I., March 30, 1772. His father, Samuel 
Hopkins, being from Newport. Land in Great Barrington, 21 acres. 

Samuel Hopkins — Newport, R. L, March 30, 1772. Land in Great Barrington, Dis- 
charged. 

Thomas Matteson — Warwick, R. I., May 2, 1772. Land in Lanesborough, the west 
lot, No. 52 in the second division, 100 acres. 

John Fisk — Scituate, Co. of R. I., October 13, 1772. Land in East Hoosuck No. 15 
in second division, containing 200 acres. 

John Phillips — Glocester, R. I., May 4, 1773. Land in Gageborough, 100 acres, and 
is lot 114. 

John Phillips — Glocester, R. I., May 4, 1773. Land in Gageborough, 1.50 acres, all 
of lot in first division. 

John Phillips — Glocester, R. I., June 1, 1773. Land in Gageborough, lot No. 33 in 
first division, 150 acres. 

Joseph Brown — Cumberland, R. I., June 4, 1773. Land in Gageborough, 77 acres 
and 54 rods. 

James Barker — Middletown, R. L, June 9, 1773. Land in Lanesborough, part of the 
east lot. No. 66 in the second division. The whole of the lot No. 66 except 25 acres. 

James Barker — Middletown, R. I., June 9, 1773. Land in Lanesborough, part of 
Lots No. 21 and 76 in second division, 571 acres. 

John Barker — Newport R. I., June 9, 177.3. Land in Lanesborough being part of 
lots No. 21 and 76 in the second division containing 67 acres. 

James Barker — Middletown, R. I., September 4, 1773. Land in Lanesborough, 1 acre. 

Elisha Brown, Jr. — Warwick R. I., October 2, 1773. Land in Gageborough, home- 
stead containing 144 acres and 128 rods. 

Thos. Bussey — Glocester, R. L, October 22, 1773. Laud in Gageborough, farm 
containing 150 acres. 

Benjamin Ellis — Warwick, R. L, Februaiy 5, 1774. Land in Lanesborough. Lot 41 
in second division. . 



NAMES OF PIONEERS. 203 

John Brayton — Smithfield, R. I., December 13, 1784. 22^ acres. Possession Decem- 
ber 17, 1784. 

Nicholas Cooke — Providence, R. I., November 11, 1776. 

Joseph Bennett — Coventry, R. I., 2 certain tracts lying between East Hoosuck and 
Williamsburg. Lot No. 12, 102 acres; lot No. 20, 100 acres. 

Joseph Martin— Providence, R. I., November 11,1776. The easternmost half of a 
20 acre lot lying between East Iloosuck and Williamsburg, and is lot No. 2. 

William Brown— North Providence, R. I., June JO, 1767. Lot No. 118 in second 
division in Williamsbui-g. 
•^Joseph Aldridge — Glocester, R. I., June 26, 1776. Lanesborough, No. 70 in 
second division. 

Shubael Wilmarth— Providence, R. L, October 31, 1767- Land between East 
Hoosuck and Williamsburg, the westernmost half of lot No. 2. 

Elisha Brown— Warwick, R. L, November 9, 1767, Land in Lanesborough, No. 41. 
second division. 

Elisha Brown- Norwich, R. I., November 26, 1767, Land in Lanesborough, No. 45. 
supposed to be in second division. 

John Tibbits— Warwick, R. L, February 4, 1768. Land in No. 4, alias WilUamsburg 
Lots 116 and 119 in second division. 

Henry Tibbits— Warwick, R. I., April 26, 1768. 



PETITION 

BY THE INHABITANTS OF CHESHIRE REQUESTING THE PUNISHMENT 

OF BRITISH PRISONERS. 

Cheshike, July 8, 1814. 
Sir, — We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Cheshire, supposing that you 
have the power to control or remove the British prisoners now located in Cheshire, 
think proper to state that they have conducted themselves in such a manner as to ren- 
der their longer stay in this place highly improper. To pass over as trivial, number- 
less instances of disorderly and shameful conduct of which they have been guilty, we 
want to merely state that they have recently indulged themselves in the amusement 
of firing, with bullets, lengthwise of the street, at a mark, and a few days since fired 
two balls through the meeting-house, neither have we any reason to believe it acci- 
dental. If there are those in Cheshire to whom money is dearer than reputation, 
and who are willing for the base desire of gain to submit to every indignity and insult, 
especially from British officers, it is not the case with the subscribers. It was thought 
best by many when the last outrage was committed on the house of worship to give 
the perpetrators instant chastisement, but they were restrained by two considerations : 
first, that although their conduct was insulting in the extreme, and such as we shall 
not tamely submit to, yet they were prisoners and rested safely on the arm of mercy ; 
and lastly, that it was proper first to request those whose duty it was to provide a 
suitable situation for them to remove them from Cheshire. We therefore request 
that they may be immediately removed from this town, and punished for their shame- 
ful and disorderly conduct. In the period of our revolution we were not in the habit 
of being insulted by our prisoners. When our countrymen, taken by the enemy, 
were cruelly treated and suffered every indignity which a merciless foe could in- 
flict, a system of retaliation was resorted to, and it proved for them better treat- 
ment. Unless the public documents deceive us, our countrymen who are so unfortu- 
nate as to be taken by the British, are now in many instances treated with great bar- 
barity, and our returning good for evil does not appear to have any effect toward 
ameliorating their condition. But this is not the object of this communication. Al- 
though the British officers may have fared sumptuously on the fat of the land during 
their residence here, but when, from their repeated and flagrant violations of law and 
order, the lives and property of the community are jeopardized, it becomes our duty 
to state that their society is insiqyp or table, and that they cannot remain here. We 
wish you would inform us of your determination by letter as soon as may be, and we 
would adjure you that a compliance with our request as soon as may comport with 
your convenience will much oblige the community at large and your very Humble 
Servants — 

To Thos. Melville, Jr., U. S. Sup. Ins. 
This is a true copy as sent to Melville with the following subscribers : 
Francis Fisk, Daniel Smith, Eli Green, Selectmen ; Alfred Joice, Jos. Bennet, 
Joseph Brown, Russel Brown, Ethan A. Rix, David Cole, Simeon Wood, Mason 
Brown, Dan^l Mason, Moses Read, Allen B. Green, James Coi-ydon, William Lane, 



A PETITION. -JOr) 

Jr., Richmond Brown, Wilmarth Dunote, James Brown, John Jvussel, liutus liicli- 
ardson, Kawsel Mason, Levi Mason, Christopher Freehorn, John Chase, Isaac Mason, 
Warden Mason, Jesse Mason, William Mason, Eeuben Wescott, Allen Brown, Anthony 
Burton, Timothy Mason, Charles Converse, Jno Remington, Elcry Burlingame, James 
D. Brown, Daniel Smith, Jr., John Brown, Benj. Barney, David Smith, Peter Werden, 
Ebenezer Dagget, Orren Munroe, Ichabod Loomis, Robert de Meranville, Jesse Jencks, 
Jr., Manning Brown, Otis Hodge, Jr., Russel B. Wolcott, Ephraim Farrington, Joel 
Barker, Erastus Buck, Elisha Clap, Zebedee Dean, Darius Carpenter, Dexter Mason, 
Xathan Wood, Francis Bowen, Samuel Fish, Ruf us Mason, Jonathan Fish, Jr., Na- 
than Wood, Jr., John Erskine, Norman Mason, Winthrop Noble, Richard Coman, 
Lemuel S. Slocum, Joshua Mason, Avery Mason, Andrew Stone, Jonathan Fish, 
Lewis McSouth, Lewis McSouth, Jr., Brooks Mason, Silas Pratt, Josiah Willis, Silas 
Baker, Lawrence Jencks, Jr., Charles Thrasher. 



PAY ROLL 



OF THE SOLDIERS FROM CHESHIRE IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Pay roll of Captain Daniel Brown's company who marched on the alarm from Lanes- 
borough to Meloomseruyek on August 14, 1777, and continued in said service as re- 
spectfully noted in the iiroper column of days : Daniel Brown, Capt., Medad King, 
Lieut., Thomas Bowen, Seth Pettibone, Silas Barker, Corp., Moses Hinman, Corp., 
John Green, fifer, Levi Green, drummer, Nathan Mason, John Collins, Coman Mason, 
David Mason, Shubal Mason, John Clark, Goodyear Clark, Stephen Clark, Rufus 
Mason, Nathan Mason, James Mason, Daniel Wood, Collins Pierce, H^^ekiah Mason, 
Ezra Barker, Levi Mason, Jeremiah Brown, Newhall Barker, Aaron Mason, Pardon 
Mason, Stephen King, Jessie Mason, Peleg Whitford, Samuel Whipple, Daniel Coman. 
Out six days, 35 miles from home. Sum total due, 22£. 4s. 4d. 

A pay roll of an independent company of volunteers composed out of the alarm lists 
of New Providence, Lanesborough, East Hoosuck and Gageborough, commanded by 
Colonel Joab Stafford of said New Providence, who marched to and in the battle 
fought near Bennington on the IGth of August. Marched the 14th of August : Col. 
Joab Stafford, commander, Deacon Jonathan Richardson, Deacon Stephen Carpenter, 
Capt. Shubael Wilmarth, Capt. Thomas Nichols, Lieut. Timothy Mason, Mr. Eliakim 
Richmond, Capt. Abeather Angel, Lieut. John Wilmarth, Lieut. Valentine Bowen, 
Jeremiah Brown, Lieut. Simeon Smith, Lieut. William Brown, Lieut. Asa Wilmarth, 
Lieut. Noah Hinman, Lieut. Jeremiah Fisk, Henry Tibbits, Lieut. Thomas Collins, 
Benjamin Baker, Capt. George Shearman, Joseph Haile, Capt. Barnard Haile, six 
days in service at 9s. per month, 32 miles from home. Total due, 18£. 10s. ISd. Wil- 
liam Merher, New Providence, Thomas Pell or Pitt, Jeremiah Collins, Michael Wat- 
kins, Joseph Pell, Sipp Ives, one of Warner's men from New Providence, killed, 
Simeon Smith, Eseph Brown. 

Company of volunteers under command of Colonel Joab Stafford, who marched from 
New Providence, county of Berkshire, July 16th, 1777, to reinforce Colonel Warner's 
men at Manchester, by orders of General Schuyler: Col. Joab Stafford, Capt. Shubael 
Wilmarth, Capt. Abeather Angel, Capt. Thomas Nichols, Lieut. Jeremiah Brown, 
Lieut. Simeon Smith, Lieut. Lewis Walker, Lieut. William Jenkins, Aaron Case, 
Reuben Simmonds, Hooker Low, Bevin Collins, John Richardson, Simeon Cole, Rufus 
Spencer, Lieut. John Wilmarth. Marched July 16; miles, 50; returned home July 30; 
number of days in service 15; due 1S£. 15s. 

Pay roll of Captain Samuel Low's company in Colonel Simond's regiment of miUtia, 
for the county of Berkshire, state of Massachusetts, for service done at Bennington, 
from the 14th day of August, 1777, to the 19th of the same: Capt. Samuel Low, Lieut. 
William Jenkins, Jeremiah Bucklin, William Whitaker, Joseph Bennet, Nathan 
Bowen, Darius Bucklin, William Low, Ichabod Prosper, Robert Whipple, Ephralin 
Smith, Eben Richardson, Elijah Bowen, Peter Werden, Aaron Case, Aaron Bowen, 
Daniel R-ead, Stephen Remington, Nehemiah Richardson, Samuel Stafford, Reuben 
Spencer, John Ladd. Number of days in service, 6; sum due, 15£. 



PAY HO LI,. 207 

Captain Low's company for service done at St. Croix, from the ;i()th clay of June 
to the 14th day of August, 1777 : Samuel Low, Capt., Joseph" Pierce, Lieut., William 
Whitaker, Jeremiah Barkei', Nathan Bowen, John Ladd, Jonathan Richardson, Jere- 
miah Smith, Nathan JNIason, Josiah Simmonds, Stephen Itemington, Ely Bowen, 
Thomas Spencer, John Richardson, George Sayles, Richmond Werdcn, Phillips Cole, 
Charles Fueshan, Stephen Carpenter, Billings Randall. 

Captain Low's company in Colonel Symond's regiment of militia, for service done 
the United States, in October, 1780, in the alarm to the northward by order of General 
Fellows : Capt. Samuel Low, Lieut. William Jenkins, Lieut. Jonathan Richardson, 
Lieut. Benjamin Collins, Lieut. Nathan Bowen, Corp. Daniel Rude, Corp. John Chace, 
Valentine Bowen, John Wilmarth, Jr., Jeremiah Brown, Stephen Carpenter, Jeremiah 
Smith, John Lippit, Amos Smith, Richard Stafford, Darius Bucklin, Aaron Bowen, 
Jeremiah Collins, /achariah Whitaker, Charles Spencer, Buster Bennet, Joab Stafford, 
Shubael Wilmarth, Cori). Peter Werden, Lieut. John Ladd, Abiah Jenkins, Rufus 
Spencer, Robert Whipple, Elkanah Smith, Hooker Low, Peter Werden, Sen., Colta 
Wilmarth, John Wilmarth. Served from October 1.3 to 21 ; 9G miles ; total due, 2U.j£. 
15s. lOd. 

Captain Low's pay roll for service rendered at Pawlet, from the fifth day of Septem- 
ber, 1777, to the fifth day of October, both days included in the additional pay for 2£'. 
10s. per month : Capt. Samuel Low, Lieut. William Jenkins, Sergt. Jonathan Richard- 
son, Sergt. Bevin Collins, Sergt. John Ladd, Corp. Nathan Bowen, Reuben Simmonds, 
Darius Bucklin, Nehemiah Richardson, Aaron Bowen, Eben Richardson, Rufus 
Spencer, Thomas Spencer, Josiah Simmonds, Hooker Low, George Sayles, Judah 
Werden, Stephen Remington, John Chace. Number of days, 27 ; wages, 2£. .")s ; sum 
total, .51£. Sworn to by Justice Goodrich. 

Captain Samuel Low's company in Colonel B. Symond's regiment, for service done 
the United States in October, 1780, in the alarm to the Northward by order of General 
Fellows. Entered service October 27th, left service October 28th, served two days. 
Wages per mouth, 12£; amount of wages paid per man, 10s. ; number of miles traveled, 
20; bill at 2J cents per mile,'3s. 4d. ; sum of wages, U)s. 4d. ; whole roll, 7£. 17s. 
Sworn before me, Justice James Barker. Names of men due to New Providence and 
Lanesborough Territory now Cheshire: Capt. Samuel Low, Lieut. John Ladd, Sergt. 
Benjamin Collins, Corp. Elijah Bowen, Jonathan Richardson, William Whitake)', 
Jeremiah Green, Robert Whipple, Peleg Bowen, John Richardson, Charles Spencer. 

In a regiment of Colonel Asa Barnes detached on an alarm on the loth day of Octo- 
ber and joined General Stark at Saratoga, are the following names from New Provi- 
dence : Rufus Cai'penter, Daniel Biddlecome, Joab Stafford, Jun., Levi Wilmarth, 
Benjamin Bowen, John Wilmarth, John Richardson, Joseph Spencer, Nathan Baker, 
Jun., Elkanah Smith, Jonathan Richardson, and Jeremiah Smith detailed to help on 
with baggage. Paid 12s. a piece per month. October V.i to October 29, 10 days in 
service, 21 cents per mile, 10 miles traveled. Total amount paid, Lieut., 4£. 15s. 4d. ; 
Sergt., 1£. 6s.; Corp., 1£. 14s.; private, 1£. 5s. 

STONE ARABIA. 

Men from Lanesborough now Cheshire : Nehemiah Richardson, Moses Wolcott, 
Ezra Barker, Amos Pettibone, Calvin Hall, Simeon Smith, Benjamin Carpenter, Phil- 
lip Baker, Giles Baker, Charles Baker, Roger Pettibone, Charles Thrasher, Charles 



308 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

Chaffee. Engaged from July 10 to October 22. Traveled 120 miles. Captain paid, 44s 
lOd., Lieutenant, 35s. 4d.-, Lieutenant, 35s. 4d., Sergeant, 9s. Id., 2d Sergeant, 8s. lOd 

On September 2d, 1779, Charles Grandison from New Providence, was taken prisoner. 

February 14, 1790, Simeon Grandison from New Providence was discharged. 

John Whiting of New Providence, was killed at Ticonderoga. 

Jonathan Greenman of New Providence, died in the army August 5, 1779. 

Andrew Hinman of Lanesborough, lived at what is now Cheshire Corners, was 
drafted from the regiment and went to Quebec. 

Thomas Whitney went to Quebec. 

Daniel Eeed went to Quebec. 

David Dunnels also went to Quebec, Saratoga and Valley Forge. 

Pay roll of Captain Daniel Brown's Co. who marched on the alarm from Lanes- 
borough to Pawlet on September 5, 1777, and continued in said service and respect- 
fully noted in the proper column of days : Daniel Brown, Capt., George Shearman, 
Sergti, Enos Jones, Sergt., Amos King, Corp., John Baker, Hez^klah Mason, Cooman 
Mason, Ezra Barker, John Collins, Curtis Hinman, AarofnVIason, Nathan Mason, 
Daniel Wood, Pardon Mason, William Bennet. Served 27 days; miles, 70; paid lis. 
8d. sum total due, 60£. 13s. 4d. 

An abstract of the pay due to the company under Captain Daniel Brown, in Colonel 
Benj. Simond's regiment, on the alarm at Berkshire on the 13th of October 1780, paid 
agreeable to a resolve passed November 13, 1780 : Daniel Brown, Capt., Medad King, 
Lieut., Amos Kins, Silas Barker, Corp., John Pierce, Hezekiah Pierce, Levi Green, 
drummer, Samuel Baker, Stephen King, Noble King, Levi Mason, Daniel Wood, John 
Baker, Shubal Mason, Barnard Mason, Josiah Simonds, George Shearman, William 
Brown, Petts Barker, Werden Mason, John Tibbits, Jonathan Remington. Six days 
in service, wages 8s, 9d., mileage 1 penny per mile, wages due, 18£. 3s. 9d., mileage, 
18£., same, 10s. 9d., officers substance, 18s., due, 37£. 12s. 6d.-2. 

Records at Boston State House, volume 17, page 173. 

Daniel Brown's company summoned to the alarm, October 27, 1780. Names from 
New Providence and Lanesborough now Cheshire : Daniel Brown, Capt., Amos King, 
Lieut., Eliez Pierce, Corp., Gideon Hinman, Peleg Green, Timothy Mason, Nathan 
Wood, .James Cole, David Mason, Barnard Mason, Samuel Baker. Application made 
November 13, 1780. Wages per day, Is. 9d., private Is. 4. Only served two days. 
Travel, 8d. per mile ; number of miles 12. 

Sworn to before me, JUSTICE A. WHEELER. 

Volume 17, page 192, Boston. 

Captain Daniel Brown's company in Colonel Simond's regiment, summoned to the 
frontier October 20, 1780, agreeable to a resolve of General Court passed November 
13, 1780. Names of men from New Providence and Lanesborough now Cheshire : 
Captain Daniel Brown, Lieutenant Medad King, Sergeant Amos King, Sergeant Perez 
Dean, Jesse Mason, James Clark, James Cole, David Mason, Daniel Pierce, Norvel 
Baker, Nathan Wood, Aaron Case, Nathan Mason, Noah Hinman, John Tibbits, Paul 

Barker, Fish, Gideon' Hinman, James Mason. Twenty-six miles travel, out 

and home. Time of service three days. Pay for captain, 1£. 12s. 2d. ; lieutenant, 1£. 
12s. 2d. ; private, 63. 2d. ; corporal, 8s. 2d. ; Sergeant, 8s. 

Sworn to before me, JUSTICE A. WHEELER. 



SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL WAR. 209 



SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL AVAR. 

4'.ith Regiment of Massachusetts \'()luntceis, nine months men, going out in August 
21, 1S&2, returning September ISti-J: Edwin L. Temple, August 27, 1802, Company C, 
$100 bounty; John AVells, September 1, 1S()2, Company C, mustered out of service in 
September, lS(i3, $100 bounty: Edson Downs, August 27, 1802, Company C, mustered 
from service in 1803, slOO bounty; Isaac J. Cosset, August 18G2, Company E, mustered 
from service when time expired, $100 bounty; Michael G. Matteson, August 27, 1802, 
Company E, mustered out September 1, I860, $100 bounty; John N. Knight, Company 
C, $100 bounty; Norman N. Cummings, September 1, Company C, mustered from 
service in September, 1808, $100 bounty; Samuel W. Tilit, Septembers, 1802, Company 
C, mustered out from service in September 1863, $100 bounty; Gilbert Bristol, August 
27, 1802, Company C, $100 bounty. 

40th Massachusetts Regiment, nine months, 1863: Emery King, August 27, 18(i2, 
Company C, wounded by gun shot in leg at Port Hudson, mustered out of service in 
September, 1803, $100 bounty ; Cyrus R. Tower, August 27, 1862, Company C, 
mustered out September 1, 1863, $100 bounty; Xorman W. Stetson, August 27, 1862, 
Company C, mustered out September 1, 1863, $100 bounty; Thomas J. Scott, Jun., 
Company C, mustered out September 1, 1803, $100 bounty; John McDonald, August 
1, 1862, Company C, mustered out September 1, 1863, $100 bounty; Michael Silk, 
August 27, 1802, Company C, mustered out September 1, 1803, time over, $100 bounty; 
William E. Looniis, August 27, 1802, Company C, mustered out September 1, 1803, 
$100 bounty; Homer O. Mason, August 27, 1803, Company C, mustered out Septem- 
ber 1, 1803, $100 bounty. 

49th Massachusetts Regiment, Company C, nine months men, enlisted August 27,1802, 
mustered out September 1, 1803, $100 bounty. Edward F. Munay; Hezekiah AV. Stur- 
tevant; Daniel B. Foster, received 1st Lieutenant's commission September 9, 1802; 
Williams. Jacques; Peter McCann, enlisted August 31, 1802; James MuUaly, dis- 
charged December 1808, lost leg ; ErastusP. Root; Edwin L. Temple, appointed 1st 
Sergeant of 40th Regiment, Company C, January 1, 1803, detached as blaster Armorer 
at Baton Rouge by General Auger, May 6, 1863. 

49th Massachusetts Regiment, Company C, 1802, $100 bounty. Albert W. Wells, 
August 24, 1802, discharged January 8, 1803, disability; Henry H. Northrop, entered 
army April 21, 1861, for three months at Dubuque, lovpa, in 1st Iowa Regiment Com- 
pany I, discharged August 27, time of serivce expired, appointed commissary ser- 
geant of 49th Massachusetts Regiment September 19, 18(53, mustered out term of ser- 
vice expired; Lewis W. Goddard, September 19, 1802, mustered out September 19, 
1863, time of service expired; Truman G. Phillips, August 30, 1802, mustered out 
September 19, 1803, term of service over; John L. Brown, August 27, 1802, discharged 
March 1, 1S<)3, disability; Eugene Carissy, Abel Jones, Thurston Tilton and John H. 
Olin, August 27, 1802, mustered out September 1, 1863, time expired. 

57th Regiment, three years, Augustus Clanquire, January 1, 1864, to July 4, 1865. 

52d Regiment, nine months, Isaac J. Crosset, 

6th Battery Light Artillery, Michael Kelly, never joined for service. 

Veteran Reserve Corps, John Lowe, December 19, 1864 to November 30, 1865. 

3d Regiment Heavy Artillery, thi-ee yeai'S, Herbert Houle, June 17, 1865, end of ser- 
vice; John Nugent, deserted October 9, 1864; Henry Rivers; John A.Thompson. 



210 HISTORY OF CHESHIRE. 

1st. United States A. Artillery, 18fi2, three years: Charles N. Brown, Company E, 1802, 
served three months at commencement of war, wounded in head at Antietam by shell, 
lost left leg at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, discharged February 27, 180;3. 

32d Kegiment. three years: Seldon McXaughton, Company G, enlisted .July 16, 1864, 
served to .June '65, transferred. George McXaughton, Company G, enlisted May 16, 
1864, served to June 1865. 

1st Eegiment of Cavalry, three years : James O'Brien; John Souden; Jolni P. 
Willsy, transferred April, 1864, to navy; John G. Woodruff, December 26, 186.3, taken 
prisoner at the North Anna; J. G. Woodruff mustered out June 26, 1805, prisoner at 
Andersonville and Milan seven months ; Arthur H. Brown, sergeant ; George N. 
Baxter : William Baxter, died October, 1864; Elwell Andros, shot at North Anna; — 
Hubbard, Andersonville died, taken prisoner at North Anna; Lewis Davis, Anderson- 
ville died, taken prisoner at North Anna. 

2d Regiment of Cavalry: William N. Newton; Daniel A. Hill; James Dunn, desert- 
ed January 4, 1865. 

4th Regiment Cavalry, three years: David W. Dimond; Thomas Perry, deserted 
July 16, 1804. 

10th Regiment, 1861, three years: William H. Cousens, June 1.3, Company B, dis- 
charged at Brandy Station, for re-enlistment, re-enlisted December 20, 186:3, during 
the war in 10th I^egiment, Company B; Patrick Calahan, Jr., Company D, November 
12, 1862; Wilson W. Rice. 

20th Regiment. 1861 : David Casy, August 1st, 1861, Company A; William R. Rice ; 
Abraham Brown, August 20, 1861, Company A, taken prisoner at Balls Bluff', October 
21st, 1861, released February 19, 1862, wounded in face by a gun shot, at battle of 
Antietam, September 17, 1862, discharged December 10, 186:3, at camp in Virginia, 
re-enlisted December 19, 1863, in 20th regiment Company A. three years. 

21st Regiment, Company H, three years; Phil Denio, single. 

;37th Regiment, three years : Alonzo H. Harrington, Company E, August 12, 1862, 
$100 bounty ; Henry R. Temple, Company E, married, deserted, .$100 bounty ; John 
Grace, Company E, single, .$100 bounty; Jay Brown, Company E, single, $100 bounty; 
Andrew J. Mason, Company A, August 15, 1862, married, .$100 bounty; Patrick Dal- 
ton, Company K, single, SlOO bounty; Michael Coney, Company K, $100 bounty, died 
May 5, 1863, from wound received at Frederick.sburg, December 13, 1S62; Peter Duoley, 
Company K, received 2d Lieutenant's commission .July 30, 1802, August 4th was pro- 
moted to Captain, sprained ankle at Soansville, Md., honorably discharged March 
14th, 1863. 

27th Regiment, 1861: Charles H. Bligh, Company E, September 25, 1861, three years, 
wounded in the arm March 14, 1862, at Newburn, N. C, discharged December 22, 
1803, re-enlisted December 22, 1803, in Company E for three years; John Bulfin, Com- 
pany H, Sejitember 17, 1861, discharged December 22, 1803, at Norfolk, re-enlisted No- 
vember 25, 1863, at Newport News, Va., 27th Regiment Company H, three years, and 
killed at Cold Harbor, June, 1864; Martin Horton, October 17, 1861, three years, Com- 
pany K, discharged ; Stetman Jackson, David Rice, Company H ; Henry E. de Mar- 
anville. Company H ; Samuel Whipple, Company I; Banet Macatine, Company E, 
September 1, 1861, discharged from disability at Newbern, N. C, January 27, 1863 ; 
Charles W. Leonard, Company E, September 9, 1861; John W. Allen, October 1, 1861; 
bounty $404.05 ; Alvin Rider, Company H, October 1, 1861, mustered out September 
27th, 1864. 



SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL WAR. 211 

31st Regiment, 1861, for three years, received AloS bounty. .Tames Dalton, Jun., 
Company I, deserted ; George Kice, Company E ; Harvey Mason, Daniel L. Marks, 
Company A, October 25, ISOl ; William Clothier, Company A, October 1st. 1801, died 
June 5, 1803, at Brashaar City, La., chronic diarrhoja 1st. yellow jaundice '2d ; Homer 
Carr, October 31, 18 Jl, William Couch, November 0, ISCA: .lames Bryant. Xovember 
0, 18(51, discliarged February 22, 1804, 8421.33 bounty; Zelotes liice, Deceml)er (J, 18(i], 
Company A, re-enlisted February, 14, 1804, mustered in February 24, 1S()4, promoted to 
Corporal in March, 1804, discharged September 9. 186'), term expired, received slight 
wounds at Pleasant Hill, La.; AndrcAv Katchler, October 8, 1801, Company A, dis- 
charged October 1.5, 1802, on account of varicose veins which appeared May l.o, 18(52 : 
John W. Miller, November 20, 1801, deserted 1802. 

11th U. S. Infantry, Company A : Ira C. Mattocks, wounded in leg at Ganes Hill, 
Va., June 27, 1862, discharge April 14, 1803, disability, cause gun shot wound; Henry 
Reed, Company A. 

34th Regiment, three years, 1861: Charles Horton, Company E, on July 6 or 7 died 
at or near Gettysburg, from wounds received at that battle, on the 4th of July, he 
was a private in the 11th U. S. Infantry at the time of death; Asael R. Cook, Compa- 
ny E, three years; Erastus M. Hubbard, August 21, 1801, Company B, $100 bounty ; 
George Barr, October 21, 1863, $225 bounty, dismissed for disability. 

8th Regiment Infantry, three months : Samuel P. Whipple, wounded in hip and 
crippled for life; John Arnold; Henry Hines; John Ober; Mason Mansfield. 

37th Regiment, 1802, tliree years : Charles Conn, Company K, three years, SKM) 
bounty; David White, Company E, corporal, $100 bounty; William R. Hatheway, 
Company E, discharged from disability April 15, 1803, died June 20, 1863, $100 bounty; 
Scott Brown, Company K, August 25, 1862, died from chronic diarrhoea on March 23, 
1863, in hospital at Falmouth, Va. ; Joseph Bellevine, Company E, never left state; 
Theodore Davis, August 15, 1862, $100 bounty; Towner B. Jenks, August 14, 1862, 
Company A, wounded at Gettysburg July 3, 1863, by shell striking right foot, ampu- 
tated, discharged January 20, 1804, in cause of this wound, $100 bounty; Willet 
Couch, August 11, 1862, Company E, $100 bounty; Benjamin F. Eddy, August 15 
1862, Company E, §100 bounty; Frederick W. Crossett, Company E; Samuel Beers, 
Company B; Wilbur F. Dwiglit, Company K, deserted October 9, 18(i3; William .1. 
Simmons, September 4, 1801, Company E, $100 bounty; James H. Perkins, Company 
E, killed by shell at Gettysburg, July 3, 1803, $100 bounty; Patrick Clancy, Company 
E, deserted August 20, 18(33. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 



DECADE FEOM 1793 1797. 

Bepresentatives — Daniel Brown, Jonathan Eemington, Jonathan Eichardson. 

Town Clerks — James Barker, Esq., Ezra Barker. 

Treasure!- — Ehsha Brown. 

Selectmen — Jonathan Richardson, Daniel Brown, Timothy Mason, Hezekiah Mason. 

DECADE FEOM 1797 1807. 

Bepresentatives — Daniel Brown, Jonathan Bichardson. 

Town Clerks — Jonathan Richardson, Darius Brown, Joel Richardson, Russel Brown. 

Treasurers — Elisha Brown, Barnahus Bidwell, Jonathan Knapp. 

Selectmen — Daniel Brown, Jonathan Richardson, Timothy Mason, Stephen Brayton, 
Peter Werden, Hezekiah Mason, Elisha Wells, Levi Mason, Daniel Coman, Peter 
Werden, Jun., John Bennett, Jonathan Knapp, Ephraim Farrington, Daniel Smith, 
Jessie Jenks, Jan., Stephen Wescott, Darins Brown. 

In 1804 Barnabus Bidwell was candidate for the Congress of the United States, re- 
ceived 183 votes from Cheshire, and in 180.5 he run for County Treasurer, receiving 185 
votes from his townsmen. Whether defeated or elected there is no record. 

DECADE FEOM 1807 1817. 

Bepresentatives — Captain Daniel Brown, Jonathan Richardson, Joseph Bucklin, 
John Wells, Jun., Rev. John Leland, .John Leland, Jun., Allen Brown, Captain Dexter 
Mason. 

Town Clerks — Russel Brown, Ethan A. Rix. 

Treasurers — Jonathan Knapp, Ethan A. Rix, Rufus Richardson, Eli Green. 

Selectmen — .Jonathan Fish, John Wells, Jun., Richard Coman, Daniel Coman, Nathan 
Wood, Allen Brown, Dexter Mason, .John Leland, Jun., Eli Green, Francis Fiske, Dan- 
iel Smith, Jessie Jenks, Jun., Nathan Sayles, James Brown. 

In 1808 a committee consisting of Captain Joseph Bucklin, Captain Daniel Brown, 
John Hart, Calvin Hall and Hezekiah Mason, were sent to the Coffee House at Lenox, 
to meet the republicans of the county and draw up resolutions concerning the embar- 
go. A letter was addressed to the President asking him to suspend the embargo. 

DECADE FEOM 1817 1827. 

Bepresentatives — Ethan A. Rix, Colonel Francis Fiske, Russel Brown, Joshua Mason. 

Town Clerk — Ethan Rix. 

Treasurers — Joshua Mason, David Cole, Noble K. Wolcott. 

Selectmen — Francis Fiske. Moses Wolcott, Levi Mason, Nathan Sayles, Zebedee Dean, 
James Cole, Daniel Brown, Aaron Hammond, Alden Werden, John M. Bliss, Lyi^an 
Northup, Warner Farnum. 

1820 Samuel Blaso elected delegate to convention for revising Constitution. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 213 

DECADE FROM 1827 1837. 

Representatives — James Brown, Nathaniel Bliss, Kussel Brown, Sen., Noah T. Bush- 
nell, Lyman Northup, Nathan Sayles. 

Town CZcr/rs— Ethan A. Rix, Dr. Mason Brown, E. W. Carny, Kussel Brown. 

Treasurers — Noble K. Wolcott, Lyman Northup, Joshua Mason. 

Selectmen — Warner Farnum, Ira Richardstm, James Brown, Nathaniel Bliss, Stephen 
Northup, Nathan Sayles. Esq., Leland Worden, Benjamin AVhipple, Charles Bliss, 
Joshua Mason, Elisha Jenks, Lyman Northup, Andrew Bennett. 

First School Committee — Russel Brown, Noali T. Ikishnell. Noljle K. Wolcott, Elna- 
than Sweet, Lansing J. Cole. 

James Brown gave ten dollars for use of poor instead of for liquor on his election. 
Road to Adams by way of harbor laid out in 18.30. In 1832 the Jackson ticket had 200 
votes, Clay ticket, .5 votes. Voted in 18.37 to approbate no person to sell spirituous 
liquors except tavern keei:)ers, and tavern keepers to sell only to travelers, not to the 
inhabitants of the town of Clieshire. They must give bonds to this effect before 
getting their license. 

DECADE FEOM 1837 1847. 

Representatives — Stephen Northup, Noah T. Bushnell, Russel Brown. 

Town Clerks — Russel Brown, Dallas J. Dean, R. C. Brown, J. B. Dean, Francis Jones, 
Henry Brown. 

Treasurers — Joshua Mason, Andrew .J. IMason. 

Selectmen — .John Burt, Samiiel Bliss, .Joshua Mason, Andrew Bennett, Ira Sayles, 
Warner Farnum, Sherburne Mason, Isaac Northup. 

School Committee — Elnathan Sweet, Noah T. Bushnell, 3d, Warner Farnum, Alauson 
Jones, Henry Bliss, Lansing J. Cole, 1st, Russel Brown, 2d, W. G. Waterman, xilan- 
son Wood. 

In 1840 John Leland of Cheshire was elector for president in District No. 7. In 184.5 
the town was arranged in different form, eight districts were made. As there was 
some dissatisfaction L. J. Cole, Joshua Mason, Richmond Brown were chosen district 
committee. Their report was accepted and sustained by the town. 

DECADE FROM 1847 1857. 

After this date the town does not have a representative each year, they are sent by 
districts. 

Town Clei-ks — Henry J. Brown, Jerome B. Sweet, G. B. Wells. 

Treasurers— J. B. Dean, Joseph Northup, Chauncey D. Cole. 

Selectmen — R. C. Brown, Pardon Lincoln, Alanson P. Dean, Erastus Pierce, C. Bald- 
win, H. J. Ingalls, R. M. Cole, John Burt, Jessie Jenks, Warner Farnum, Silas Cole, 
Mason Chapman, J. N. Richmond, Lawreston Potter. 

School Committee — Dr. L. J. Cole, W. G. Waterman, Alanson AVood, John C. Wol- 
cott, Esq., Simeon M. Dean, Joshua P. Mason, Horace Colmau, Francis Smith, Calvin 
Ingalls. 

Register o/Z)eed.s— William Fuller. 

Justice of Peace — J. C. Wolcott. 



214 HISTORY or CHESHIRE. 

DECADE FEOM 1857 1867. 

Town Clerks— H. J. Brown, C. D. Cole, E. F. Nickerson. 

Treasurers — H. P. Brown, Andrew Bennett, R. M. Cole. 

Selectmen — Truman Coman, Lansing J. Cole, M. D., Warner Farnum, Shubal W. 
Lincoln, Luther H. Brown, Jolm Burt, George W. Fisher 5 times, Luther B. Loomis, 
Orin Martin 5 times, C. D. Cole. 

School Committee — Albert Wells, H. W. Richardson, E. R. Brown, A. M. Bowker, 
Jackson Farnum, Lansing J. Cole, E. F. Nickerson, Peter Dooley, Elislia Prince, J. N. 
Richmond, Ansel Prince, O. C. Kirkham. 

DECADE FROM 1SG7 1884. 

Town Clerks — E. F. N^ickei-son, H. J. Brown, J. G. Northup. 

Treasurers — R. M. Cole, Thomas B. Brown, Mason Chapman, J. R.Cole, D. F. Buck- 
lin, H. F. Wood, William T. Card. 

Selectmen — L. J. Cole, C. D. Cole, S. W. Lincoln, George W. Fisher, 12 times, J. D. 
Northup, Alansou Wood, C. J. Reynolds, H. J. Ingalls, M. W. Ingalls, George Mai- 
tin, 7 times, J. B. Farnum, M. V. B. Jenks, 7 times, Maurice Carroll, George Z. Dean, 
F. Reynolds, H. F. Wood. 

School Committee— EMslvA, Prince, J. N. Richmond, David O. Ingalls, E. F. Nicker- 
son, L. J. Cole, N. X. Mason, H. C. Bowen, C. D. Cole, J. B. Farnum, Nelson Brown, 
J. G. Northrop, J. R. Cole, George Z. Dean, Daniel F. Buckliu, R. A. Burget. 



INDEX 



Adams. 
Amos, Mount 
Amusements, 
Anejel, Abeather 
Angel, Dextei" 
Ausrel, Nathan 
Andrus, Elwell 
Animals, Wild 
Arnold, Expedition of 
Ashford, New 
Associations, 



Page. 



28, 60 

18 

35, 89 

26 

158 

158 

165 

25 

39 

9 

73, 128 



Barnard, Salah . . . . 13 

Barker, James .... 26 

Barker, John 26 

Barker, Ezra . . .15, 26, 43, 120 

Barker, Silas 56 

Barker, Newhall .... 56 

Barker, Peckham .... 71 

Ballow, Rev. Mr 158 

Berkshire, Settlement of . . 23 

Beers, Edwin 177 

Bennet, Joseph . . .13, 14, 61 

Bennet, John 92 

Bennet, Andrew .... 145 

Bennet, W. P. .... 145 

Bestor, Rev. F 158 

Betts, Elder Piatt .... 141 

Berry Selling, 179 

Bennington, Attack upon . . 41 

Biddlecome, Daniel ... 56 

Bliss, Nathaniel .... 57 

Bliss, John 82 

Bliss, Orrin 82 

Bliss, Granville .... 82 

Bliss, Clinton .... 82 

Bliss, Milton 82 

Bliss, Henry 82 

Bliss, Charles 110 

Bliss, Dr. A. J 141 

Blair 171 

Bloss, Rev. Samuel ... 96 

Bowen, Benjamin .... .56 

Bowen, H. C 159, 171 

Bowker, Dr. A. M. ... 154 

Boudrie, Rev. Mr 158 

Brown, Col. John .... 53 
Brown. Caft. Daniel 26, 44, 48, .56. 76, 91, 
121, 135 



Brown, Elisha 
Brown, Caleb . 
Brown, Russell 
Brown, CJaleb .Jr. 
Brown, Manning 
Brown, James 
Brown, Abram 
Brown, Luther 
Brown, Edwin 
Brown, Thomas 
Brown, Luke 
Brown, William 
Brown, R. C. . 
Brown, Henry 
Brown, Harrison 
Brown, Werden 
Brown, RoUin 
Brown, Daniel B. 
Brown, Darius 
Brown, Allen 
Brown, Hiram 
Brown, Dr. Mason 
Browning, George 
Browning, Benjamin 
Brayman Rev. Bartimeus 
Bucklock's Grant, . 
Bucklock, Col. William 
Buckiin, Capt. Darius 
Buckliu, John . 
Buckiin, Capt. Joseph 
Burgoyne's Advance, 
Burton, Anthonv 
Bushnell, Noah Y 
Burget, R. A. . 
Bryant, Barton 
Bryant, Irving 
Brickmaking, . 



131, 1 



II, 1 



87, 1 



12, 



14, 1 



m, 



14,1 



Page. 

26 

28 

3, 1.36 

91 

91 

114 

IM 

0. 173 

174 

114 

114 

121 

)3, 173 

1.38 

138 

170 

170 

144 

87 

1.54 

154 

91 

173 

105 

95 

12 

12 

59 

27 

103, 105 

41 

114 

23, 1.58 

159 

105 

105 

176 



c. 

Cemetery, 
Cave, Natural 
Carpenter, Dea. Stephen 
Carpenter, Benjamin, 
Cavanaugh, Father 
Church, 1st Baptist 
Church, 2d Baptist 



. 161 

. 178 

28, 45, 58 

56 

. 152 

22, 94, 123, 157, 170 

36, 65 



Church, 3d Baptist 65, 71, 89, 99, 117, 127, 
129, 131, 141, 152, 1.58, 170 
Church, Elder Sweet's . . 119,129 
Church, Methodist 127, 143, 149, 157, 170 
Church, Catholic . 152, 153, 158 171 



INDEX. 









Page. 


Church, Uuiversalist 


143 


, 149 


,158 


Church, Division of Six 


Principle 


65 


Church, 3d built 






71 


Cheshire Incoriiorated, 






68 


Cheshire, Village in 1810 






90 


Cheese, Manufacture of 




113 


, 137 


Cheese, The Big 






85 


Chapman, Daniel 






125 


Chapman, Mason 






125 


Chapman, Stephen 






125 


Chase, John 






62 


Clothing, . 






32 


Clark, Rev. Henry . 




141 


152 


Club, Gentlemen's . 






178 


Club, Ladies' Reading 






180 


Cook, Nicholas 




1- 


3, 14 


Country Life, . 






137 


Coman, Dea. Daniel 


.' 46, 57 


130 


Cole, Jacob 






9 


Cole, Israel 






29 


Cole, David 






97 


Cole, Ebenezer 






97 


Cole, Dr. Lansing J. 


130, 


132, 


153 


Cole, Return M. 


140, 152, 


154, 


177 


Cole, Chauncey D. . 


152 


154 


177 


Cole, John 




169, 


177 


Cole, David 




169, 


177 


Cole, G. E. . . 






154 


Cole, Otis 






159 


Convention, Stockbridge 






37 


Cotton Manufactured 






113 


Cornell, Elder Joseph 






88 


Covel, Elder Lemuel 






89 


Cashing, Dr. David 






79 


Cummins . 






51 


Cuddihy, Father 






153 


Cumings, C. D. 






177 


Customs, . . .31 


, 63, '74, 


110, 


137 


D. 








Danger to Pioneers 






34 


Day, The Dark 




81, 


113 


Davis, Elder 






171 


Darby Henry 






177 


DawU'y, C. 






171 


Dean, Zebedee 






102 


Dean, James B. . ] 


35, 136, 


159, 


173 


Dean, George Z. 




159, 


173 


Dean, Alanson P. 




144, 


153 


Distilleries, 






75 


Dooley, Ca])t. Peter 




140, 


166 


Dow, Rev. Purcell . 






171 


Dwight, Josiah 






13 


Dwight, Timothy 






13 


Dunnclls, David 






59 



F. 

Farrington, Ephraim 
Farnum, Jonathan 
Farnum, Charles 
Farnum, Albert 
Factories, Cheese 
Fairfield, Peter 
Fisk, James 
Fisk, James Ji-. 
Fish, Rev. R. D. 
Fish, Jonathan 
Fisher, George 
Flax, 

Foster, E. D. 
Foster, D. B. . 
Foster, Capt. Edmond 
Foster, Elder John 
Formation, Geological 
Furniture, 
Framingham, New . 

G. 

Gageborough, . 
Gallop, Capt. Sam . 
Gates, Peter 
Garvin, Rev. A. W. 
Giteau, Dr. Francis 
Glover, Rufus . 
Glass Co., Crown 
Glass Co. of 1850, 
Gott, Dr. Nathaniel 
Green, Jimmy 
Green-House, . 
Grounds, Staffoi'd's Hill 
Grounds, Village 
Guilford, Rev. Mr. 

H. 

Hall, Calvin 
Hancock, Rev. Mr. . 
Hall, Rev. Mr. 
Harkness, Nathan . 
Harkness, Adam 
Harkness, Stephen . 
Hobbs, Rev. Mr. 
Hopkins, Rev. Samuel 
Hoosuck, East . 
Hoxie, Clark 
Holmes, Mi'. 
Hurd, Rev. Mr. 
Hunt, Rev. E. T. 



;5, 1 



Page. 

102 

114 

173 

173 

169 

171 

93 

93 

170 

71 

146 

124 

. 153 

164 

109 

149 

25 

33 

37 



11 
12 

128 

149 

89 

. 154 

97 

150, 159 

79 

98 

. 178 

18, 80, 143 

. 162 

. 150 



56, 92 
149 

157 
172 
172 
172 
171 
14 
15, 38 
105 
172 
157 
170 



24 



Indians, 

Inns, . 37, 63, 88, 92, 124, 142, 158, 172 

Ingalls, Stephen .... 59 



E. 



Edmonds. Ezra 
EUiott, Rev. Mr. 



151 
171 



Ingalls, Harry 

Ingalls, Earl 

Inocculation for Small Pox, 

Industries, 

Implements, 



. 160 
. 171 

80 
75, 142 

33 



INDEX. 



Iron Furnace built, 


. 148 


Iron Co., Richmond 


159, 175 


J. 




Jacques, Wm 

Jenks, Jesse . . . . 


62 
74 


Jenks, Dr. William 


79 


Jenks, Homer . . . . 


. 159 


Jenks, Frank . . . . 


160, 173 


Jenks, F. J 


. 172 


Jenks, Towner 


167, 174 


Jenks, Marshal 


. 174 


Jenkins, William 


71 


Jones, Francis 


150, 153 


K. 




Kino:, Medad . . . . 


37, 62 


Kitclien. The . . . . 


36, 75 


Kies, Elder . . . . 


82 


Kirkham. Rev. 0. C. 


. 158 


L. 




Lawrence, Abel 


12 


Lanesborough, 


9 


Lane, Pork . . . . 


36, 59 


Lee, Rev. Mr 


. 171 


Leland, Rev. John (!(), T-'!, S.'j, 


.S9, 141,183 


Leather, .... 


32 


Lexington, Call to . 


38 


Leonard, Jesse 


105 


Lincoln, Shubael W. 


. 1.58 


Lincoln, S. L. . 


59 


Lincoln, Pardon 


. 130 


Lippet, John . 

Libraries, . . . 1 


29 
35, 160, 180 


Low, Capt. Samuel . . 1 


9, 44. .56, 18 


Loomis, Luther 


. 110 


Loomis, 


. 110 


Loomis, Elder Wm. 


. 141 


Lloyd, Augustus 
Lodges, Masonic 


ir)3, 160 
'.»2, 170 


Lyon, Dr. John 


26 


M. 




Mason, Sampson 
Mason, Nathan 


39 
39 


Mason, Elder Nathnii 


3(;, 65, 88 


Mason, Pardon 


39 


Mason, Jesse . 


39 


Mason, Aaron . 


39 


Mason, Barnet 


39 


Mason, Levi 


.•',9, 40 


Mason, Werden 


40 


Mason, Calvin, 


40 


Mason, John 


. ■ . 40 


Mason, Alden . 


40 


Mason, Nathan 


40 


Mason, Sherburne . 


40 


Mason, Abner . 


40 


Mason, Nathan 


40 



Mason, Barnet 
Mason, Isaiah 
Mason, Roswell 
Mason, Silas 
Mason, Isaac 
Mason, Arnold 
Mason, Timothy 
Mason, James . 
Mason, Joshua 
Mason, Rev. Almond 
Mason, Dr. Ira 
Mason, Etban . 
Mason, Melancthon 
Mason, Hezekiah 
Mason, Eddy 
Mason, Brooks 
Mason, Alanson 
Mason, Sumner 
Martin, Edward 
Martin, Samuel 
Martin, Orrin . 
Martin, Frank 
Martin, George 
Matches, Substitute 
Mehan, Dennis 
Merher, Mr. 
Miller, Rev. Mr. 
Mills, Saw 
Mills, Grist 
Millinery Store, 
Morgan, H. A. 
Moran, Father 
Munroe, Dea. Squire 
Murphy, J. H. 



Nash, Noah 
Northup, Stephen 
Northup, Delos J. 
Nickerson, E. F. 



o. 



Olin, Thomas . 
Osgood, Rev. W. B. 



Palmer, Rev. Mr. 
Parks, Rev. F. S. 
Peck, Elder 
Pettebone, Amos 
Pettebone, Roger 
Pette1)one, Frank 
Petitclerc, F. F. 
Phillips, Rev. James G. 
Phillips, Dr. H. L. 
Plumb Rev. Mr. 
Post Othce, 99, 109, 

Poor, Bidding off Town 
Potter, Ashael 
Potter, Alden . 
Potter, Lauriston 
Potter, Francis 





Page. 




40 






40 






40 






40 






40 




40^ 58 


. 91 




15, 53 


, 88 
40 
40 




40, 


149 




40, 


177 

40 
40 




90, 


118 

119 

119 

119 

119 

74 

75 

75 

75 


148, 159, 


173 






34 






132 






172 






1.50 


40. 147, 150 153 


75, 144^ 


1.53 

178 






170 






171 






30 






169 




11 




29 




160 


■. 171, 


ISO 




150 


: 157 


171 




150 






1.52 






143 






55 






55 






1.54 




160, 16!> 


172 
149 
161 
1.50 


13, 


131, 159 


171 

94 

97 

97 

147 




; 148 


, 1.50 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Pomeioy, Wm. A 171 

Preston Kev. Geo 170 

Prince, David KiS 

Preston, Guy 177 

Providence Purchase, New . . 10 
Providence Hill, New . . 11, 18, 60 

Province Records 11 

Purchase of Townships, . 11, 12, 13 

Prescott, Charles .... 12 
Prisoners, Hessian .... 48 
Providence, Meeting House New . 61 
Purcell, Father . . . .158 



R. 

Railroad, B. & A. 
Ranson, Rev. Mr. 
Reed, Daniel 
Remington, John 
Remington, David 
Reformation, The Great 
Regiment, The 37th 
Reservoir, Large 
Resorts, Summer 
Rexford, Miss Ann 
Rebellion, Shay's 
Richmond, J. N. 
Richmond, W. F. 
Richardson, Jonathan 
Richardson, Jonathan Jr 
Richardson, Ira 
Richardson, Henry 
Richardson, Nehemiah 
Richardson, John 
Rider, Lovain . 
Roads, 
Ross, Jerry 



148, 



138 

157 

43, 56 

71 

105 

83 

165 

169 

178, 179 

132 

59 

150, 171, 173 

151, 160 

30 

56, 101 

151 

151 

55 

56 

177 

35, 110, 135 

. 105 



Savoy, 

Sand beds. 

Sand Companies, 

Sabbath Schools, 

Scenery, 

Schools, 

Schoolhouses built 

Settlers, First journey 

Smith, Jonathan 

Smith, Jeremiah 

Smith, Siineon 

Smith, David 

Smith, Alpheiis 

Soda, 

Stafford's Hill, . 

Stafford, Col. Joab 

Stafford, Richard 

Stafford, Thomas 

Stafford, Elisha 

Stages, 

Stark, Gen. 

St. Croix, . 

Stoddard, Israel 



147, 

"25, 
'1, 131, 

of' 



14, 15, 44, 45 



12 

. 127 

157, 175, 177 

149, 152 

118, 180, 181 

148, 153, 158 

68, 152, 172 

25,27 

56 

56 

55 

116 

124 

33 

10,76 

49, 56 

15, 53 

52 

105 

114 

44 

44 

13 



Skating Rink, 

Stone Arabia, Battle of 

Sweet, Rev. Elnathan 

T. 

Tanneries, 
Taylor, Rev. Mr. 
Temperance, 
Telegraph Office, 
Thayer, Dr. Daniel 
Thompson, Rev. Mr. 
Thrasher, Charles 
Tibbits, Caleb . 
Tibbits, John . 
Tibbits, Henry 
Town Incorporation, 

Tyler, . . 

Training, General 
Trotier, Peter . 
Tucker, Allen 
Turtle, Owen 
Tuitle, Thomas 
Turtle, William 
Turtle, James . 
Turtle, Owen J. 

V. 



Page. 

178 

53 

117, 123 



>8, 



97 

157 

TO, 179 

174 

177 

171 

56 

17 

26 

51, 61 

68 

43 

117 

51, 159 

142 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 



Vaccination, . . . . 


88 


Vincent John . . . . 


. 118 


w. 




Warren, Moses . 


13 


Warren, Joseph 


13 


Warner, Gen. 


46 


War 1812 


103, 106 


Walters, Bill 


. 105 


Waterman, William 


. 135 


Waggoner, Rev. Mr. . 


. 150 


Warner, CD 


. 158 


War, The Civil 


. 163 


Water Company, 


. 174 


Wells, John 


. 17, 61 


Wells, Francis . 


17 


Wells, Albert . . . . 


. 158 


Werden, Elder Peter . ] 


9, 20, 43, 89 


Werden, Judah 


43 


Werden, Peter . 


43 


Werden, Richmond . 


43 


Wescott, Stukely 


52 


White, Lieut. . 


56 


Whipple, Stephen 


. 45, 58 


Whipple, Rev. Alden 


58 


Whipple, Rev. Madison . 


58 


Whipple, Rev. Roswell 


58 


Whit marsh. Tollman 


104, 107 


Wilcox, Rev. Mr. 


. 143 


Williamsburg, . 


11 


Windsor, .... 


11 


Williams, Israel 


13 


Williams, William 


13 


Willard, Aaron 


13 



INDEX. 



Wilmarth, Jonathan 
Wilmarth, Slinbael 
Wilmarth, Levi 
Wilmarth, John 
Wolf, Matthew Jun. 
Wood, Nathan . 



Page. 




Page. 


20 


Wood, Daniel . 


61 


28 


Wood, Rev. J. B. 


157 


56 


Woodruff, John 


. 165 


r)6 


Wolcott, Moses 


. 55, 63 


11 


Wolcott, Noble 


1 12, 173 


. 46, 61 


Wolcott, J. Covel 


154 



\V 



^vvf-eT^ 




